GCB Bank charts new course for Ghana-China Trade

In a landmark move to cement Ghana’s role in global trade, GCB Bank PLC (GCB) has joined the official delegation accompanying President John Dramani Mahama on his state visit to People’s Republic of China from October 12th to 15th, 2025.

This signals a bold new era in Ghana-China economic collaboration. The Bank’s participation led by Ms. Aurelia Baaba Ofori Odame, Head of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Afro-Asia Unit, demonstrates a firm shift from diplomatic overtures to tangible financial action.

At the heart of the visit is the Presidential Investment Forum in Beijing, a high-profile platform organised by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and key ministries. For GCB Bank, the agenda goes beyond handshakes and speeches. It is about laying the financial groundwork for sustainable bilateral trade and investment.

From Dialogue to Delivery: A Financial Blueprint for Growth

As Ghana’s largest indigenous bank, GCB is using this mission to operationalise a tripartite strategy designed to energise Ghana-China commerce:

1. Forging Financial Alliances

Meetings with Chinese banking giants like the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Bank of China are set to unlock new RMB capabilities and co-financing frameworks. These will directly support projects in Ghana’s high-impact sectors including agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and green industrialisation.

2. Unlocking Export Pathways

GCB is actively engaging Chinese trade authorities to streamline export protocols for Ghanaian products such as pineapples, mangoes, chili, and horticultural goods. The aim is clear: open new doors for Ghanaian SMEs to access one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

3. Integrating Digital Finance

In a nod to the future, GCB Bank is seeking partnerships with leading Chinese fintech platforms like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. The focus is on integrating cutting-edge, cost-efficient digital payment solutions to facilitate seamless cross-border trade.

The Afro-Asia Unit: A Strategic Bridge Between Continents

At the center of GCB’s China engagement is its SOEs and Afro-Asia Unit, a specialised desk for South-South economic engagement. Designed as a bilingual, cross-cultural bridge, the unit is tailor-made to facilitate trade, investment, and financial innovation between Ghana and Asia.

“Our presence at the Presidential Investment Forum is a strategic move to directly interface with the decision-makers and deal makers of the Chinese economy,” said Ms. Baaba Ofori Odame

“We are here to forge the partnerships that matter – to turn handshake diplomacy into bankable results for Ghana and for our client. This visit demonstrates how GCB Bank is the trusted financial partner that can turn commitment into capital and agreements into actionable growth for Ghana and our clients,” she emphasised

Gateway to Africa: GCB’s Vision Beyond Borders

With Ghana hosting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, GCB Bank is positioning itself as a gateway for Chinese investors looking to expand across Africa. Strengthening the Ghana-China corridor is not just a national priority but also, a continental strategy.

As this pivotal delegation unfolds, GCB Bank is doing more than representing Ghanaian finance on the global stage. It is helping to write the next chapter of Africa-Asia economic integration one agreement, one export, and one digital solution at a time.

About GCB Bank PLC

GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and a host of banking agents spread across the length and breadth of the country.

As Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, GCB Bank has, since its establishment in 1953, been described as a systemic bank with significant contribution to Ghana’s growth in multiple sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, commerce and others.

The Bank has transformed itself into one of Ghana’s most modern banks in terms of its financial intermediation capabilities including digital payment platforms and consequently strengthened its corporate reputation both at home and abroad. The Bank’s relationship with its stakeholders is delivered on a platform of trust, support and collaboration and anchored through its brand promise, “Your Bank for Life”.

The post GCB Bank charts new course for Ghana-China Trade appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story