The Deputy Minister for Transport and Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, led a high-level Ghanaian delegation to China as part of efforts to modernise Ghana’s public transport system and expand the country’s fleet with advanced and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Beyond engagements in the transport sector, the visit also focused on strengthening cooperation in tourism, arts, culture, education, and technology.
As part of the visit, Madam Affo-Toffey and the delegation toured the International Culture Center and the Hand-In-Hand International Culture Exchange Fund to explore partnership opportunities and seek support from the Chinese government in several development areas.
Established in 2011, the centre specialises in international cultural exchange and project cooperation. Over the years, it has built extensive international partnerships and facilitated cultural, educational, scientific, and technological collaborations across several countries.
According to officials of the centre, Hand-In-Hand has provided services to more than 5,000 senior officials from over 150 countries through programmes linked to the International Defence College of the National Defence University in China. The organisation has also partnered with institutions such as Tsinghua University and supported the establishment of international cooperation platforms in Beijing.
The centre has further undertaken research and investment promotion initiatives in collaboration with major Chinese institutions, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Officials disclosed that the organisation has developed an investment database covering more than 4,000 enterprises to support industrial investment promotion and facilitate strategic partnerships.
Over the years, the centre has hosted more than 2,000 delegations comprising over 33,000 visitors from more than 60 countries and regions. It has also organised thousands of performances, exhibitions, conferences, and forums spanning culture, arts, science, technology, education, politics, religion, and academic research.
The centre additionally supports international educational exchange programmes, student exchange initiatives, teacher training programmes, and scientific and technological cooperation through seminars, forums, and collaborative platforms involving research institutions and technology companies.
In the area of social intervention, the organisation is involved in public welfare cultural activities, including the donation of educational and medical supplies to underprivileged communities and the organisation of cultural outreach programmes.
It was against this backdrop that Madam Affo-Toffey, members of the Ghanaian delegation, and officials from Ghana’s Embassy in Beijing visited the centre to explore possible collaborations and opportunities for Ghana.
Officials at the International Culture Center and the Hand-In-Hand International Culture Exchange Fund assured the Ghanaian delegation of their willingness to support Ghana in areas including culture, education, technology, and development cooperation.
During the engagement, Madam Affo-Toffey also submitted a request for vehicle support for the Government of Ghana.
Mr. Seth Agyenim Boateng of the Ghana Embassy in Beijing assured the delegation that the embassy would follow up on the request with the Chinese authorities.
