Accra: China's governance model, anchored on the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), offers valuable lessons for developing countries seeking sustainable development, political stability, and improved living standards, Mr. Cong Song, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, has said. He highlighted that the CPC's 105-year journey demonstrated the possibility of pursuing modernization based on national circumstances without necessarily adopting Western development models.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Cong spoke at an Inter-Party Roundtable and Press Briefing in Accra to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. He emphasized that China's development experience is rooted in strong leadership, people-centered governance, strict party discipline, and long-term national planning. President Xi Jinping's recent address marking the Party's anniversary reaffirmed the CPC's commitment to political stability, anti-corruption measures, promoting common prosperity, and advancing global peace through shared development initiatives.
Mr. Cong pointed out the CPC's achievements, including eradicating absolute poverty, modernizing China's economy, and becoming a major contributor to global development. He asserted that the Party's success challenges the notion that modernization equates to Westernization, thereby expanding modernization pathways for developing countries. He clarified that China does not seek to export its political system but encourages countries to learn from one another while pursuing development paths tailored to their realities.
China's Four Global Initiatives-the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative-are already yielding practical benefits across Africa through infrastructure development, peacekeeping, educational exchanges, and expanded trade. Mr. Cong cited examples such as zero-tariff treatment for African exports, support for the Belt and Road Initiative, contributions to UN peacekeeping in Africa, and advocacy for greater African representation in global governance institutions.
Ms. Samia Nkrumah, former Chairperson of the Convention People's Party (CPP), traced the long-standing friendship between Ghana and China to the vision of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Chairman Mao Zedong. She recalled that Ghana established diplomatic relations with China shortly after becoming a republic in 1960 and supported China's restoration to the United Nations in the early 1960s. She urged African countries to strengthen continental cooperation when engaging China, emphasizing technology transfer, industrialization, and skills development alongside infrastructure support.
Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr, General Secretary of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, commended the CPC as a political movement consistently advocating for anti-imperialism, national liberation, and self-determined development paths. He praised China's transformation into a global industrial and technological power, emphasizing the significance of its poverty reduction efforts and the Belt and Road Initiative in deepening Africa-China trade. He reiterated support for the One China Policy and called for continued solidarity between China and the Global South to promote peace, development, and a more equitable international order.
Mr. Thomas Ayisi, Deputy Treasurer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), conveyed greetings to the CPC and described the relations between the two parties as founded on solidarity and mutual respect. He highlighted the NDC's democratic journey guided by principles of accountability and social justice and expressed hope for continued cooperation between the NDC and CPC to inspire future generations toward democratic progress.
Mr. Stephen Kwesi Acquah, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), congratulated the CPC on its anniversary and reaffirmed his party's commitment to strengthening Ghana-China relations. He acknowledged China's economic transformation and recognized the role of successive Ghanaian governments in expanding cooperation in various sectors. Despite differing political and economic philosophies, he emphasized shared commitments to national development, disciplined governance, and human capital investment. He expressed confidence that party-to-party exchanges would deepen bilateral relations and advance South-South cooperation.
The Inter-Party Roundtable brought together representatives of political parties, academics, and civil society to reflect on the CPC's development experience and explore avenues for strengthening Ghana-China cooperation amid growing economic and diplomatic relations.