Africa needs job stimulus – Mahama

President John Mahama has said it is necessary to stimulate growth in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, and agro-processing in order to create an exponential increase in jobs to absorb Africa’s jobless youth.

Speaking at the China-Africa Forum in South Africa, the Ghanaian president said China’s decision to give $60 billion to Africa is clear evidence of its commitment to its partnership with Africa.

According to him, the 10 areas of cooperation announced by President Xi Jinping are all critical areas that carry the potential to boost Africa’s economic growth and prosperity. Those areas include industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, infrastructure, finance, green development, trade and investment, poverty reduction, public health, culture, and peace and security.

President Mahama said cooperation between Ghana and China has resulted in transformational projects that have significantly propelled Ghana’s economic growth.

The Ghana Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo in the West African country’s Western Region, Mr Mahama said, is currently processing and supplying more than 100 million standard cubic feet to thermal generation plants that are producing more than 700MW of power for Ghana’s power transmission grid.

“The Bui dam that was commissioned about two years ago, is currently supplying an additional 400 MW of power for domestic and industrial use. Other significant projects we have executed together cover the areas of water supply, rural electrification, sports stadia, university education, agriculture, and construction of modern markets,” Mr Mahama added.

According to him, Ghana is looking forward to deepening its collaboration with China, especially in the creation of light industries, and the manufacture of made-in-Ghana products with Chinese technology and expertise.

“We believe that the next level of cooperation between Africa and China must be reflected by a deep involvement of the private sector,” he said.

In his words: “Joint ventures, public private partnerships, and other forms of collaboration involving our private sectors will establish a stronger and more sustainable platform for our partnership.”