STORY: Chinese businesses' role in Ghana's economy crucial: minister
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 19, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 22, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:54
LOCATION: Accra
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese projects
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): KEN OFORI-ATTA, Ghanaian Finance Minister
3. various of Ghana Black Star Square
4. various of Accra's central business district
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LU KUN, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana
6. various of Chinese projects

STORYLINE:

Chinese businesses' role has been crucial in boosting Ghana's economy, Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has said.

Speaking at a roundtable with Chinese businesses in Ghana Friday, Ofori-Atta said Chinese companies operating in various sectors, including energy and aviation, have played very critical roles in the evolution of Ghana's economy.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): KEN OFORI-ATTA, Ghanaian Finance Minister"Chinese businesses that have been really crucial for the country in terms of infrastructure. If we look at the power area, there is no question about Sunon-Asogli's (a Chinese power plant) contribution to the country." 

The minister described China's role as "invaluable" as co-chair of Ghana's official creditor committee to secure a deal for external debt restructuring, paving the way for the country to secure a 3-billion-dollar funding from the International Monetary Fund.

He said the Ghanaian government desired to ensure that the environment remains safe and more secure for Chinese investments.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Lu Kun in his remarks said China will continue encouraging more well-established and capable Chinese companies to invest and support Ghana's economic development.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LU KUN, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana
"China follows the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests when advancing China-Ghana cooperation."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Accra.
(XHTV)