This is in fulfilment of a campaign pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections.
The grant agreement was officially signed on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana, while the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Tong Defa, signed on behalf of the Chinese Government.
The facility, which falls under an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two countries, aims to transform Aflao into a thriving commercial hub by providing modern infrastructure for trade.
The new market is expected to significantly enhance economic activity along the Ghana-Togo border, linking Ho
and Lomé markets, and improving livelihoods across the wider West African corridor.
The project draws inspiration from the Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast, also funded by a similar Chinese grant during the late President John Evans Atta Mills and then-Vice President Mahama’s administration.
That market has since become a symbol of successful bilateral cooperation between Ghana and China.
Mr Ablakwa, speaking at the signing ceremony and subsequently in a social media post, expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for the continued support and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship.
“This project will not only honour President Mahama’s promise to the people of Aflao but also drive regional integration, boost intra-African trade, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He said the selection of Aflao was strategic, given its role as a key trading enclave that connects Ghana to the rest of West Africa through the ECOWAS corridor.
Chinese Ambassador Mr Tong Defa also lauded the cooperation between the two countries and said the project was part of broader efforts to implement “down-to-earth” and people-centered initiatives that bring tangible benefits to both nations.
“We had a fruitful discussion on how to implement some down-to-earth projects under the Agreement to better benefit our two peoples,” Ambassador Tong said.
The Aflao market project, according to officials, will include state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a safe and efficient trading environment.
GNA
