The China Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Shi Ting Wang, has revealed that forged travelling documents from some Ghanaian travellers has been a major challenge the Chinese Embassy in Ghana is constantly faced with.

Mr. Ting Wang indicated that some Ghanaian visa applicants forge banks statements and invitation letters, being the major contributory factor for the denial of visas to some Ghanaians.

In his speech at the conference room of the Speaker of Parliament, the China Ambassador to Ghana stated that there is always a long queue at the visa section, which puts much pressure on the embassy.

Leading a delegation to a courtesy visit to the leadership of Parliament, Mr. Ting Wang established that “Ghana’s population is not huge as Nigeria, but the number of Ghanaians seeking to travel to China is almost equal to the number of Nigerian travellers .

Our problem is not the huge number seeking to go to China. Our major problem at the embassy is forged documents from some Ghanaians. They forge bank statements, invitation letters amongst others”. He reiterated.

He, however suggested that China’s law enforcement agencies will work closely with Ghana to help reduce the number of fake documents.

On China’s contribution to the economy, Mr. Ting Wang asserted that China will continue to support Ghana in areas of concern by the government.

“We will support the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo with the policy of one District one Factory and one Village one Dam project. We will work closely with Ghana for the country’s development”, he informed the Speaker.

In his concluding statement, Mr. Ting Wang indicated that Ghana has signed eight different agreements with China, including the Sinohydro agreement, which has received much backslash from the Minority in Parliament.

Speaker of Parliament’s contribution

The Speaker of Parliament, Rev. Prof. Mike Oquaye, emphasised that Ghana will continue to work closely with China for the development of some sectors of the economy.

Making a submission on the statement of the China Ambassador, Prof. Oquaye reiterated that Parliament has decided to shift away from a spending institution to a finance-generating institution.

He stated that “the board of the Parliamentary service has taken a decision to look at investment areas. China can help parliament with these areas to perform better. We will be glad if our young parliamentarians who form the Ghana-China Friendship Association in Parliament (GCFAP) will work to invite China investors to Parliament in helping to strengthen the institution and avoid depending on the government for support “.

The Speaker of Parliament revealed that the first African country to enter into China at the diplomatic level was Ghana, and the first African country to receive China same, was Ghana.

Prof. Oquaye told the delegation that Ghana’s public sector will adopt the discipline attitude of China in the discharge of duties for effective delivery.

On the building of the new chamber of Parliament and the renovation of existing structures, prof. Oquaye hinted that the Parliamentary service is looking forward to award the contract to China contractors.

“We want to develop a parliamentary enclave that will be well identified and constructed. Our government is so committed that he has already released funds to the initial project (expansion of Parliament) and we are looking forward for your support”, he ended.

Majority Leader’s submission

The Majority Leader and Member for Suame, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, pointed out that there is a huge deficit in infrastructure and the government is working closely to reduce it across the country.

He stated that Ghana’s partnership with China will focus on building the railway sector to decongest the road and ease traffic.

Hon. Osei-Bonsu revealed that the Sinohydro agreement will help in reviving the aluminum-bauxite industry, capable of providing employment to the youth in the country.

The Suame MP reiterated that Ghana will learn from the Chinese system to develop the governance structure of the country.

The Minority Leader’s reaction

The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, stated that the House will remain committed in strengthening and deepening the bond between the two countries.

Mr. Iddrisu stated that China has executed itself as a friend to Ghana in terms of infrastructure support such as the Bui Dam, Atuabo Gas Plant and rural electrification.

In his submission, he added that the trade relations between Ghana and China stands at US $5.6 billion and that, Ghana’s export to China stands at US$1. 4 billion out of the total amount of the trade relations.

“Some of our traders travel to China purposely to engage in international trade. They have no intentions of staying in your country. We want your embassy to give them fair treatment. The delays at the embassy in issuance of visas need to be looked at. They should be given some level of respect”. He lamented.

He told the China delegation that Parliament needs an enhancement in the fibre infrastructure to deliver its mandates effectively.

He appealed to the China Ambassador to support Parliament in subscribing to the new 5G LIT technology for speedy internet.

Source: http://www.newslinegh.com

 

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