Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang explores China’s rural development strategies

Story by: Regina Bless

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has held discussions with the organising committee of the 2026 Global South Academic Forum in Shanghai, China, on the country’s experience in rural revitalisation, poverty reduction and community development.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the forum, was led by Professor Lu Xinyu, Chair of the Global South Academic Forum, who shared insights into how targeted interventions have contributed to transforming previously deprived communities in China.

Prof. Lu highlighted several initiatives, including local governance reforms, the revitalisation of fisheries and aquaculture, community sporting activities, and modern infrastructure development aimed at expanding economic opportunities.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed particular interest in how the interventions were designed to reflect the specific needs and circumstances of individual communities, supported by research and strengthened through deliberate government action.

She noted that the experiences demonstrated the importance of developing solutions that respond to local realities rather than applying identical approaches to every community.

According to the Vice President, every community possesses resources, knowledge and opportunities that can be harnessed to promote development and improve livelihoods when supported by appropriate policies and interventions.

She expressed appreciation to Prof. Lu for sharing China’s experiences and emphasised the importance of leadership that maintains close connections with communities and ensures that public interventions address their actual needs.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted the role of South-South cooperation in promoting development through the exchange of knowledge, experiences and practical solutions among countries of the Global South.

She said such cooperation provides opportunities for countries to learn from one another, adapt successful approaches to their own circumstances and develop strategies that improve the lives of their citizens.

The discussions underscored the potential for Ghana and other developing countries to draw lessons from China’s rural development experience while tailoring policies to their own social, economic and community needs.