The Government of Ghana has honoured the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana in recognition of his outstanding diplomatic engagement and contribution to the development of the country.

Conferring the Companion of the Order of the Volta on H.E. Amb. Zhang Keyuan, when he paid a farewell call on the President at the Castle, Osu on Monday, President Kufuor said the Chinese envoy had acquitted himself with distinction.

The President said during his almost four years duty tour in Ghana, the relations between Ghana and China had improved in many respects.

A citation accompanying the honour said the diligence and competence of H.E. Amb. Zhang Keyuan while in Ghana had resulted in significant economic support for Ghana's development programme.

"During your tenure as Ambassador, you facilitated various socio-economic and infrastructural projects by the Chinese government in Ghana, including energy projects, the security telecommunication project and the construction of the new Ministry of Defence complex," it stated.

"You have significantly contributed to the strengthening of relations between Ghana and China," it added.

When the President announced the decision of the government to honour the Chinese envoy, he held his chest and exclaimed, " This is a surprise!"

H.E Amb. Zhang Keyuan said the only regret he had was his inability to witness the completion and inauguration of some of the projects he helped to initiate.