Navigating cooperation with great powers: elite perceptions of U.S. and Chinese economic engagement in Ghana in the twenty-first century

Taking a decolonial perspective, this article draws on interviews and on-the-ground observations conducted in Ghana to examine how members of the local elite perceive the United States’ and China’s policies and economic engagement in their country. Applying the theory of interest convergence, we argue that aid from both powers is largely guided by similar strategic objectives. China is often seen as the antithesis of the US – the two great powers are pursuing comparable goals through different instruments to exert influence and advance political and economic interests. Consequently, both engage in neo-colonial practices to varying degrees. Despite Ghana’s attempt to strategically balance relations with these states, persistent structural constraints, such as debt obligations, weak institutional capacity and reliance on external financing, continue to limit its manoeuvrability.