More Doubt over Beijing Loans

Here are the items of what's going on in Ghana in regards to China:

1. More voice of doubt over the jumbo loans signed between Ghana and China, during the President Atta Mills trip to Beijing last year. According to Accra based Joy FM, the Head of Bilateral Trade at the Trade Ministry Cletus Ayaaba said although government is aware of the China threat, there is very little that can be doneSome say a review of the loans and terms is a must. (Joy FM)


2. The Ghana Audit Service is hosting a six-member team from the China National Audit Office. (Ghana News Agency)


3. New wave of soft power to Africa? Chinese Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe Thrills Audience at National Theatre in Accra. (GNA)


4. More soft power? Xinhua opens photo gallery in the University of Ghana, which established Chinese as its sixth foreign language. (GNA)

Ghana views China favorably

According to a newly released BBC poll, China is viewed highly favorably among Ghanaian public.

The poll shows that 72 percent of surveyed view Beijing in a positive view, up by 9% from last year. Ghana is also ranked second, only next to another West African country, Nigeria which have 85% share favorable views of China. In general, Africans share the good impression of China, in East African nation Kenya, the poll find that 73% like China.

Beijing is certainly taking note of these positive views reflected in Africa, at a recent interview, Chinese diplomat Liu Guangyuan cited the data, saying that, whether China is good or bad to Africa, let Africans judge.

"I am not going to explain anything, because I know that actions speak louder than word and seeing is believing. It is for the African people to judge whether China is good or bad for them. "

Liu also recognized a lack of voices in Chinese engagement in Africa, he said, due to an introverted personality, Chinese are preferring doing rather than saying. "Of course, we should try to change a little bit in this aspect by improving our publicity and raising our voices. More support and understanding from our African friends are most needed and deeply appreciated, especially those from the African media friends. "

African's Chinese Dream

Coming back from a trip to China, I can't help noticing increasing number of Africans working and living in Chinese cities.

Every foreigner is called Laowai in Chinese, and Africans, especially sub-Sahara Africans are in particular noticeable due to their dark skin color. During the morning rush hour, you will encounter passing a young black lady who might on her way to work. There are estimated around 200,000 Africans in the Southern city Guangzhou alone, the number could be fluctuate largely due to many of them are staying illegally and underground.

While waiting for a flight in Accra some time last year, I met a Ghanaian who is doing business in the Northeastern city of Xi'an, mainly dealing used PC, the business model is quite sustainable as he has since established himself. He also found a group of countrymen, most of Africans pursuing their Chinese Dreams are men in 30s-40s, they are religious and go to a local church on Sundays, and eat together after the services.

"we are living a separate lives than the Chinese, we don't interact except for business purpose." The middle-aged Ghanaian businessman told me. He added that the money is easier and opportunities are plenty, however, separating from families can easily draw down spirits some time.

I sensed a bitterness in his feelings towards Chinese attitude towards Africans. While we talked, there was another Chinese man in his 20s waiting for a flight going back to his hometown in Shandong province. The Chinese questioned the Ghanaian, bluntly, the authenticity of their worship for God. (The Ghanaian, while answered the question, obviously offended and moved away where the Chinese man sat)

One information looking for animal breeding beds sellers, posted on Xian's public info protal,
requesting no inquiry/response from Africans.

As more and more locals I met in Accra look to China as the New Continent, instead of traditionally U.S. or Europe to realize their dreams for a better life, China will likely see more Africans flowing in. However, unless there is more positive description and real attitude change towards these dark-skinned dream seekers, there will likely more bitterness felt in both groups.

Ghana Reaches Out To Bosai's Hometwon For Investment

If you are not a news junkie, Bosai may not be sounding familiar. However, as the historical loan agreement signed between China and Ghana, the Chinese company is getting more attention. Its name was mentioned by the Ghanaian Minster of Industry and Trade, Ms. Hanna Tetteh in her speech to the Parliament of Ghana in explaining the loan agreeement.

Bosai is the largest stakeholder, owns 80% of Ghana Bauxite Co.

Out of the largest loan agreement for Ghana, $3 billion will be developed as a joint venture by Bosai, Government of Ghana and China African Development Fund.

Now, Ghana government is also reaching to Bosai's backyard. The Chongqing based company brought the attention back to the largest Chinese city, created by combining several megacities.

According to Chinese media report, a delegation from Accra visited Chongqing looking for investment in Coco processing and Chololate making, (not that Chinese are known for), but also in hotels, agriculture, ICT, infrastrcture.

People in Chongqing is known for eatting spaces, Sichuan cuisine also enjoys popularity here in Accra. Maybe more Bosais will be emerging?