Defence Ministry Commends China for Humanitarian Medical Mission to Ghana
The Ministry of Defence has commended the Chinese military for bringing humanitarian medical services directly to Ghana through the visit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship, AUSPICIOUS ARK.
The commendation came when a delegation of senior commanders from the PLA Navy, led by Senior Captain Zhou Hanwen, paid a courtesy call on the Ministry following the vessel’s arrival at the Port of Tema over the weekend.
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Emmanuel Kartey, who received the delegation on behalf of the Minister, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, said the mission reflected the growing bilateral relations and maritime cooperation between Ghana and China.
According to him, the visit would strengthen collaboration in humanitarian assistance, joint training and regional maritime safety.
Mr Kartey also noted that the visit of the hospital ship would expand medical exchanges and deepen professional relations between medical personnel from both countries.
He said the engagements would create opportunities for the sharing of clinical knowledge and experience between Ghanaian and Chinese healthcare professionals.
On his part, Senior Captain Hanwen expressed appreciation for Ghana’s support in various areas of cooperation and said the seven-day humanitarian medical mission under Mission Harmony 2026 marked the first visit of a Chinese naval hospital ship to Ghana.
He explained that the mission would provide medical services to the public while creating opportunities for professional exchanges between Ghanaian and Chinese military medical personnel.
The AUSPICIOUS ARK is equipped with modern medical equipment, operating theatres, intensive care units and a specialised team of military doctors and nurses.
The ship is expected to provide free medical, surgical and dental care to thousands of Ghanaians and conduct cross-training workshops with local healthcare professionals.
The vessel will remain at Tema until October 30, 2026, carrying out free outpatient clinics, specialised surgeries and community wellness visits in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service and the Ministry of Health.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
