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Title: |
China–Africa Infrastructure Cooperation: Implications for Sustainable Development in Ghana |
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Source: |
International Conference on Engineering and Business Management 2012(Part 4 Urban Management and Financial Investment)
(pp 2685-2690)
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Author(s): |
Abdul-Manan Dauda, Tianjin University, College of Architecture, Green Building Institute, Tianjin, China
Hui Gao, Tianjin University, College of Architecture, Green Building Institute, Tianjin, China |
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Abstract: |
China’s cooperation with Africa and Ghana in particular has largely been geared towards several sectors of the economy. Key among these is physical infrastructure improvement e.g. roads, railways, buildings, ports etc. Investment in infrastructure has suffered a deficit in these countries since independence when need is compared to availability. For this reason, Chinese investment here is highly appreciated. This has seen a record influx of Chinese construction firms into the country to undertake various projects. The construction industry is known to be a major contributor to co2 emissions. This is said to be a significant cause of global climate change. Primarily occurring through the extraction, processing transportation, construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities among others. It is also a significant employer. The implications of this on income levels, GDP and overall economic growth and development cannot be overemphasized. In this age of climate change and sustainable development, the need therefore to examine what has arguably become the predominant large-scale physical infrastructure source on the continent of Africa and Ghana in particular is even more imperative. This paper seeks to explore the subject of sustainable development in the context of the activities of these construction firms with particular reference to Ghana. Ideological concerns, resource exploitation, and trade imbalances often emerge in discussions on this cooperation. The aim of this paper however is to examine China-Africa cooperation in terms of environmental, economic and social sustainability.
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