The latest edition of the China Index reveals that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has significantly increased its presence in Ghana through military cooperation, digital infrastructure projects, and sustained diplomatic engagement.
Addressing the media via Zoom, Alda Elise, spokesperson for Doublethink Lab, indicated that Ghana has been ranked 18th out of 101 countries overall and is the 5th highest-ranked country in the Sub-Saharan African region in the China Index. This index is the first research effort to measure and compare PRC influence overseas and is published by the China in the World (CITW) network, an initiative of the Taiwan-based civil society organization Doublethink Lab. It draws on research from hundreds of scholars and local experts worldwide.
Elise added that the rankings are determined by summing normalized responses to 99 indicators, each corresponding to an observable phenomenon of PRC influence. These indicators are devised by the Index Committee of experts in PRC influence tactics and are divided equally across nine domains: Media, Academia, Economy, Society, Military, Technology, Law Enforcement, Domestic Politics, and Foreign Policy.
Ghana’s highest scoring area of PRC influence is in the Military Domain, where it ranks 6th globally. This indicates a strong PRC-Ghana defense cooperation, characterized by participation in PRC-led security forums, hosting joint naval exercises, and receiving military equipment donations. These activities suggest a stable and well-established relationship, positioning Ghana as a major partner in Beijing’s military outreach on the continent.
In the Foreign Policy Domain, Ghana’s ranking fell from 16th to 34th, despite a slight increase in its score. This decline reflects Beijing’s intensified global outreach efforts rather than changes in Ghana’s diplomatic alignment, which have remained steady.
Ghana’s score in the Technology Domain remained relatively stable, although its ranking dropped from 16th to 21st. PRC-linked firms continue to play a significant role in building Ghana’s digital infrastructure, supporting smart city projects, expanding rural internet access, and investing in local talent. This long-term technological involvement indicates a structural dependency on PRC actors for digital development.
The Military, Law Enforcement, and Foreign Policy domains are part of the Rule-making Cluster, where Ghana ranks 12th out of 101 countries. This cluster measures the PRC’s influence over global norms, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. Ghana’s high ranking in this cluster reflects its participation in PRC-led security and diplomatic initiatives, as well as its alignment with international diplomatic norms, including support for the PRC’s “One China Principles” and maintaining silence on contentious issues like the South China Sea, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
A point of concern is the PRC’s influence on government norms in Ghana. For example, one Law Enforcement indicator states: “In my country, law enforcement and judicial-related training offered by PRC-connected individuals or entities have been accepted by national or subnational governments,” to which the graded response is “Yes.” Supporting evidence indicates that a significant number of Ghanaian law enforcement officers have been trained in China.
All evidence is provided by regional partners of the China Index, including academic, journalist, and policy analyst Emeka Umejei, and is subsequently reviewed by local experts.
The raw data for the China Index 2024 is available for download, allowing interested stakeholders to conduct complementary research. The full China Index research report will be available soon. For further information about the China Index and CITW, including in-depth research takeaways and interviews, please email alda@doublethinklab.org.
About the China Index
In 2019, Doublethink Lab and its partners established the China In The World (CITW) network to research the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s global influence and disinformation strategies. CITW aims to unite stakeholders, improve global and regional awareness of related challenges, and strengthen democratic resilience worldwide. CITW oversees the publication of the China Index, the first cross-regional initiative to measure and compare the PRC’s influence in various countries.
About Doublethink Lab
Doublethink Lab is a civil society organization dedicated to studying the malign influence of digital authoritarianism. Its strengths lie in combining diverse research approaches in social, behavioral, and computational sciences to analyze state-funded propaganda campaigns, psychological warfare, and related information operations. Doublethink seeks to foster global networks connecting academics, democracy movements, digital communities, like-minded civil society organizations, and experts on the People’s Republic of China to strengthen global democratic resilience.
Source: mywordfmonline.com Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo.