TIG Post

Tag: Chinese government

  • Akufo-Addo lauds Chinese govt for assistance in securing IMF funds for Ghana

    Akufo-Addo lauds Chinese govt for assistance in securing IMF funds for Ghana

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the Chinese government for its assistance in securing a three billion dollar IMF bailout for Ghana.

    While expressing Ghana’s appreciation to China’s departing Ambassador, Lu Kun, the President commended his efforts in bolstering diplomatic, trade, and investment ties between the two nations.

    During a farewell meeting, President Akufo-Addo highlighted Mr. Kun’s role as Co-Chair of Official Creditors within the G20 Common Framework, his contribution to elevating trade volumes to over 11 billion dollars, and his support in funding projects like the Jamestown Fishing Harbour.

    Since assuming office in Ghana in 2021, bilateral relations between Ghana and China have significantly strengthened over the past three years.

    Trade between the two countries has surged to a historic high of 11 billion dollars, with Chinese investors undertaking numerous development initiatives.

    Lu Kun has been pivotal in Ghana’s negotiations with Official Creditors under the G20 Common Framework, particularly in securing comprehensive debt treatment beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, a crucial aspect of Ghana’s IMF program.

    Moreover, during his tenure, Beijing provided financing for key infrastructure projects such as the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, the Tamale Interchange, and the second phase of the University of Health and Allied Sciences.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed Ghana’s profound gratitude to Mr. Kun for his service during his tenure, stating that Ghana will always remember and appreciate his steadfast support.

    In turn, outgoing Chinese Ambassador Lu Kun expressed his appreciation for the support he received during his time in Ghana, reflecting on the various projects undertaken during his tenure.

    Mr. Lu Kun is now returning to China following his retirement.

  • Beijing commands HK consulates to provide information about local staff

    Beijing commands HK consulates to provide information about local staff

    Beijing has asked foreign consulates in Hong Kong to give them information about the local employees they have hired.

    According to local news, the Foreign Ministry in China’s city has requested that the data be handed in by 18 October.

    These rules affect all the people who work for foreign embassies in the city, whether they live there permanently or temporarily.

    The change would make sure that the laws in Hong Kong are the same as those in the rest of the country.

    Hong Kong is a place in China that has some independence since it stopped being ruled by Britain in 1997.

    However, after a series of large protests in 2019, the Chinese government gained more power over the city by implementing a very strict law that made it illegal to express opinions against them.

    The law makes it illegal to work together with foreign governments.

    The rule to get vaccinated was already there for Chinese employees of foreign embassies and consulates in mainland China. But it is believed that this is the first time this rule is being applied in Hong Kong.

    The Chinese authorities need certain information from the staff, such as their job titles, where they live, and their identity card numbers.

    According to the local media, Consulates have been told to provide personal information of new employees within 15 days of their start date.

    The letter said that the collected data could be given to other authorities to help them manage the local staff.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s office in Hong Kong has not clearly stated why they have made these requirements.

  • Takoradi: Work on stalled PTC Interchange to resume in September – Regional minister

    Takoradi: Work on stalled PTC Interchange to resume in September – Regional minister

    The resumption of work on the halted PTC Interchange in Takoradi is set to begin by the end of September this year, offering a sigh of relief to affected commuters.

    This is reassuring for individuals whose daily lives were greatly affected by the halted interchange construction.

    The announcement of the restart date emerged in response to a query about the project during a community engagement led by , Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah.

    “The halt in the project is a great source of worry to me as well because I also use it. I know how significant it is considering how close it is to the Central Business District of Takoradi and also in terms of vehicular flow. Ever since the project was stopped we have been in constant engagements with the financiers and relevant stakeholders. Some agreements have been reached and work will resume before September ends.”

    Expressing his own concern and acknowledging the project’s significance to the region, he stated, “Some agreements have been reached and work will resume before September ends.”

    Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, also serving as the regional minister, initiated these community interactions to foster closer connections with constituents and collaboratively address their challenges.

    Amanful West was one of the areas he visited, where residents shared similar concerns about the delay in the interchange construction.

    “We have been able to complete 83 percent of the works on the interchange and as you can see not much is left. So we will definitely complete it,” he assured.

    Initially slated for a 30-month timeline with completion projected for July of the current year, the three-tier PTC Interchange is part of a larger project under the Master Project Support Agreement between Ghana and the Chinese government.

    Sinohydro Corporation, under a barter trade agreement, undertakes the project.

    However, the project had to be suspended in January of the same year to meet one of the IMF conditions for Ghana’s bailout. This stipulation required the halt of projects under barter agreements.

    Residents present at the community engagement are hopeful that the minister’s commitment will come to fruition.