Former President Jerry John Rawlings has commended the government and people of China for their level of support for Ghana’s economic development and stated that the world cannot do without the strong presence of China on global stability.

He said China has spread its wealth to Ghana and other developing countries, particularly in infrastructural projects such as roads, bridges and other physical structures, stating that the huge investment had eased hardships and improved the movement of goods and services across the various African nations.

Mr Rawlings made the remarks when Sun Baohong, the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, called on him last Wednesday to announce the end of her tenure of office in Ghana.

Commending Ambassador Baohong for her role in Ghana, the former President said: “You’ve been one of the most proactive ambassadors from China and I hope your successor will continue from where you left off.

“Not too long ago, China was a developing country but today China is a pride to all of us. The level of skill and expertise and spread of your wealth to Africa is something we are grateful for,” Mr Rawlings said.

Former President Rawlings also commended China for the efficiency exhibited by Chinese construction and allied companies on the continent, describing their ability to complete projects ahead of schedule as admirable and worthy of emulation.

While wishing Ambassador Baohong well in her new assignment, the former President said there are those who feel threatened by China and Russia’s success and want to do everything to undermine what the two countries stand for.

“We live with the negative tendencies of the Western unipolar authority. The savagery of capitalism has created an unfortunate situation for the world but China and Russia have remained steadfast in maintaining global stability, freedom and justice.

“The world cannot leave the responsibility on China and Russia alone. We must all contribute more pro-actively in protecting the world from the arbitrary devaluing of international freedom, justice and diplomacy by some,” the former President said.

Referring to the amendment of the Chinese constitution recently to give more powers to President Xi Xinping, Mr Rawlings stated that it was within the right of the people of China and absolutely necessary to effect the changes needed to maintain China’s strength and influence globally.

“These constitutional changes in China would probably not have been necessary if the quality of freedom, justice and democracy were not under threat since the collapse of the bipolar world,” Flt Lt Rawlings said.

Ambassador Baohong had earlier informed President Rawlings that she would end her four-year tenure in Ghana on April 16, 2018. She expressed her gratitude to the former President and members of his family for their support throughout her stay in Ghana and said she was leaving Ghana at a time when bilateral relations between the two countries had soared.

She stated that within the past year the Vice President and the First Lady had visited China and was hopeful that President Akufo-Addo would also visit China later this year as part of efforts to expand China-Ghana cooperation. She added that China had identified a number of projects in Ghana and will support the government to deliver upon its commitment to the people.

Madam Baohong said China would be hosting more Ghanaian students and professionals on Chinese government scholarships to help with the development of skills for Ghanaian professionals. She also commended the government for liaising with the embassy to combat the scourge of illegal mining, stating that once the legal framework on mining is strengthened she was convinced the campaign to curb the problem would be won.

The outgoing ambassador described President Xi Jinping as a great leader not only for China but also for the world. “He is farsighted and gets a lot of extensive support from the grassroots in China.”

According to Madam Baohong China’s priority and preference is to be a fully advanced country economically by 2020, providing more economic opportunity to developing countries especially in the area of agricultural development. She expressed the hope that Ghana will enjoy stability and prosperity.