This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
On November 25, 2019, China's $2 billion infrastructure deal with Ghana was met with criticism from environmental activists, political groups, and international investment partners.
The deal, which gives Beijing access to Ghana's reserves of Bauxite, a crucial source of aluminium, has been criticized for lack of transparency and a growing threat to debt sustainability.
China's Export and Credit Insurance Corporation sanctioned the first phase of the Ghana project, which includes financing for a $2 billion worth of rail, road, and bridge network in exchange for 5% of Ghana's Bauxite reserves.
Beijing will also fund 100 vehicles for the Ghana Police force, a $42.7 million grant, and a debt write-off of $259 million Yuan.
Similar deals have been made with other countries, including Guinea, which received a $20 billion debt write-off from China in exchange for access to bauxite ore.
