By: Edwin Gogu
The Chinese Community in Ghana has extended a hand of solidarity to victims of the recent violent conflict in the Gbiniyiri area of the Savannah Region, donating relief items worth over one million cedis to support more than 50,000 displaced residents.
The donation, presented at a brief ceremony in Damongo, on September 19, 2025, included 1,200 bags of rice, 500 boxes of tomato paste, 500 blankets, six polytanks, 500 buckets, 230 boxes of mosquito coils, 100 bags of washing powder, 100 boxes of soap, 50 boxes of sanitary pads, and 500 boxes of Kivo gari mix.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese community, Mr. Stephen Shun, General Secretary of the Chinese Community in Ghana, said the gesture was inspired by the deep ties between the peoples of Ghana and China. He expressed condolences to families of the victims and pledged continued support for affected communities.
“Ghana is our second home. When we see our brothers and sisters in pain, our hearts are equally heavy,” he said. “This donation is not merely material aid. It is a promise, a promise that the Chinese community will stand with you in these trying times.”
Mr. Shun noted that the donation was part of activities marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and China, highlighting the strong historical partnership between the two nations in trade, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and technology.
Receiving the items, Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe, commended the Chinese community for being the first group to make such a significant contribution following the tragic events.
“Your best friend is not known during merry-making but in times of difficulty. This humble gesture speaks volumes,” the Minister remarked.
“On behalf of the people of Savannah and the President of Ghana, I want to say a big thank you. The relief items will be distributed to those who need them most, especially in Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba districts.”
He assured that the donation would directly benefit displaced families, many of whom lost their farmlands and produce during the crisis, and called for further investment partnerships between Chinese businesses and the Savannah Region.
Also speaking at the event, Ambassador Anane Demuyakor, former Ghana Ambassador to China, urged Ghanaians to look beyond negative stereotypes about the Chinese community, particularly in relation to illegal mining.
“It is often the bad news that spreads. Yet when positive gestures like this happen, they are rarely highlighted,” Ambassador Demuyakor said. “I challenge the media to publicize such acts of solidarity, because indeed, a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
He called for stronger cooperation and open-mindedness, noting that only a small fraction of Chinese nationals in Ghana are involved in negative activities, while the majority contribute positively to the economy and society.
The donation underscores the longstanding Ghana-China friendship and reflects the proverb quoted at the ceremony: “If one person is in difficulty, others must join hands to assist.”
As displaced families in the Gbiniyiri area begin to rebuild their lives, the Chinese community in Ghana has pledged to continue supporting initiatives that foster peace, recovery, and shared prosperity.
