On September 29, 2005, H.E. Ambassador Zhang Keyuan hosted a reception to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event, which attracted about 400 guests from the Ghanaian Government, Parliament, military, business and the press, the diplomatic corps and the Chinese enterprises and the Ghanaian-Chinese community, was graced by the presence of Rt. Hon. Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes and ministers or deputy ministers for Harbours and Railways, Works and Housing, Parliamentary Affairs, Private Sector Development and PSI, Fisheries, Defense, Information and Local Government and Rural Development.

Addressing the function, the Ambassador observed that great transformations have taken place all over the country since the birth of the new Republic and especially since the implementation of the reform and opening-up program in 1978. Despite all the achievements, China has just reached $1,200 in terms of per capita GDP, which still ranks behind the 100th place in the world. The 26 million rural poor alone are bigger than the total population of Ghana. Problems confronting China are many and complicated: overpopulation, weak economic foundation, under-developed productivity, employment pressure, uneven development, and so on. It is predicted that it will take another 50 years for China to raise her living standard to that of a developed country. China has a long way to go.

Citing the five-point measures put forward by H.E. President Hu Jintao at the 60th Session of the United Nations to increase China's assistance to the developing countries, the Ambassador pointed out that China pursues an independent foreign policy for peace. Committed to equality, friendship, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation with all countries, China will only have more to offer to the peace, stability and common development of the world when it becomes stronger.

Hon. C. Ameyaw-Akumfi, Head of the delegation of the Ghanaian Government and Minister for Harbour and Railways, conveyed the warmest congratulations from H.E. President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Government and people of Ghana, to H.E. President Hu Jintao and the entire people of People's Republic of China.

Both the Ambassador and the Minister expressed gratification with the developments of the cordial relations between the two countries. Hon. Ameyaw-Akumfi commended that China, as a true friend, has made a substantial contribution to Ghana's developmental efforts. He reaffirmed that Ghana has always supported the one China policy and is convinced that the Chinese people will realize reunification at an early date.