Ghana and China are advancing plans to establish an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Ghana, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing China-Africa Summit in Changsha, China, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that the project would be strategically anchored on Ghana’s recently discovered lithium deposits, positioning the country as a key player in the global green energy revolution.

“This initiative demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to combating climate change and leveraging its natural resources to support sustainable industrial development,” Ablakwa stated following discussions with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

As critical minerals become increasingly central to the global energy transition, Ghana’s lithium discovery has attracted significant international interest. The proposed EV manufacturing plant marks a significant step in capitalising on this momentum.

Mr. Ablakwa, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, said the bilateral talks also explored additional industrial projects, including the development of an integrated aluminium industry driven by Ghana’s bauxite resources and supported by modern rail infrastructure.

These initiatives are in line with President John Mahama’s vision for industrial transformation.

He further disclosed that Ghana and China are set to sign a Special Economic Partnership Agreement to formalise and deepen their cooperation.

On trade, Mr. Ablakwa announced that China has offered a zero per cent tariff on all exports from Ghana, a move he said would significantly boost trade volumes, create jobs, and support the growth of Ghanaian enterprises.

“China remains Ghana’s number one trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing US$11 billion last year. The new tariff regime will further enhance this relationship and open up more opportunities for Ghanaian businesses,” he noted.

The developments underscore Ghana’s strategic efforts to leverage economic diplomacy as a catalyst for national transformation, while aligning with global trends in clean energy and sustainable development