Ghana Gets $30M From China for New University

A new university is coming to Damongo, Ghana, thanks to a $30 million grant from China that will open doors for students across the region.

Ghana's Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and outgoing Chinese Ambassador Tong Defa signed the agreement during a ceremony celebrating decades of friendship between the two nations. The funding will support construction of the university, significantly expanding access to higher education in an underserved area.

The grant represents one of two major agreements signed during Ambassador Tong's tenure, alongside funding for a multipurpose market in Aflao. Dr. Forson praised the Ambassador's contributions during his time in Ghana, noting how quickly these meaningful projects came together.

The partnership between Ghana and China stretches back to the days of President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao. Today, that relationship continues to deliver tangible benefits for Ghanaian communities through infrastructure projects and development assistance.

The Ripple Effect

Building a university in Damongo will transform opportunities for young people throughout the region. Students who might have struggled to access tertiary education due to distance or cost will now have a quality institution closer to home.

The agreement also signals deeper economic cooperation ahead. Dr. Forson revealed Ghana's interest in trading directly using Ghanaian cedis and Chinese yuan, rather than relying on third-party currencies that create inefficiencies. The proposal will move forward through policy discussions with the Bank of Ghana.

Ambassador Tong expressed pride in the state of Ghana-China relations and congratulated Ghana on its improving economic performance. He described the agreements as evidence of a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual benefit.

The new university represents more than just buildings and classrooms. It's an investment in Ghana's next generation, giving students the tools they need to build successful futures while strengthening the bonds between two nations committed to shared progress.