(30 June, 2017, Accra)
Honorable Prof Thomas Mba Akabzaa, Chief Director for Energy of Ghana,
Respected Prof Harrison Dapaah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning!
Thank you all for attending the Handover Ceremony of the Goods Granted by China to Ghana under the Memorandum of Understanding for Addressing Climate Change. This time, the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China provides 1,000 sets of inverter air conditioners, 2,000 sets of solar home systems and 500 sets of LED solar street lights to the Ghanaian government. This is part of the Chinese government’s assistance to developing countries in the field of addressing climate change. And I believe this batch of energy-saving goods will play an important role in elevating Ghana’s capacity for addressing climate change.
Climate change is a grave challenge facing the mankind and has a profound impact on human being’s survival and development. To contain and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and safeguard our homeland the earth, is the common mission of mankind, which requires broad consensus and joint efforts of all parties. As a responsible major developing country, China has attached great importance to climate change and taken concrete measures to develop green and low-carbon economy, achieving gratifying results in abatement and adaption. We have become the largest investor in developing technology of clean and renewable energies.
At the same time, China has scaled up the foreign assistance in climate change. China is willing to share with other developing countries the innovation of green technology and experience of developing green economy. Donation of materials is one aspect to demonstrate China’s commitment and till now China has donated materials for addressing climate change to nearly 100 countries. The key countries include small island countries, LDC countries, land-locked countries and African countries.
Ghana is an important development partner of China in Africa. Addressing climate change is one of the areas of bilateral cooperation. The Chinese government implemented a grant project of LED street light in 2014 and 275 sets of solar street lights granted by China are improving the lighting conditions in Cantonments and Osu area in Accra. China has also trained a good number of Ghanaian professionals in the field of utilization of renewable energies, conservation of water and soil, desertification control, agricultural irrigation, prevention of disasters and protection of forests. The Chinese company has set up the first solar power plant in Ghana and several Chinese companies are studying the feasibility of setting up more solar power plants, wind and biomass power generation.
Honorable Chief Director, Ladies and Gentlemen,
H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana, has just concluded his trip to China. It is the first important visit by a Ghanaian leader since NPP took office in January. The visit is crowned with success. The two sides have reached extensive consensus on further expanding win-win cooperation in all fronts. Deputy Minister for Energy Hon. Dr. Mohammed Admin Adam was part of the delegation. Over the years, with construction of Bui Dam, Sunon Asogli Power Plant, Atuabo Gas Processing Factory and other significant projects, China-Ghana cooperation in energy adds a lot of scores to the overall China-Ghana cooperation. During the Vice President’s visit in Beijing, many credible Chinese enterprises expressed the intention to intensify cooperation in energy. So more wonderful results are expected.
Let me conclude my remarks by asserting that China and Ghana shall always remain trustworthy friend and sincere partner. I am very ready to sign the handover and acceptance certificate with Honorbale Chief Director.
Thank you!