Deputy Defence Minister Reaffirms Ghana’s Commitment to Stronger Defence Ties With China
The Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding defence partnership with China, describing the collaboration as a key contributor to the modernisation and capacity development of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He made the remarks while speaking at the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Accra.
Mr Genfi said the defence cooperation between Ghana and China had continued to expand over the years through military infrastructure development, professional training, military education and logistics support.
He expressed the Government’s appreciation to the Chinese Government for its sustained assistance, noting that the Ministry of Defence Headquarters remained a visible symbol of the strong partnership between the two nations.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that more than nine military infrastructure projects were completed with Chinese support in 2025. These include facilities at Shai Hills, Nutekpor, Akyem Akroso and Bundase, all aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He further revealed that Ghana was collaborating with China on the development of facilities for the proposed National College of Defence Studies, while Parliament had approved legislation establishing the National Defence University of Ghana to strengthen military education and research.
Mr Genfi also announced that the Chinese naval hospital ship, Peace Ark, was expected to visit Ghana later this year to provide medical services and humanitarian assistance, further broadening the scope of cooperation between the two countries.
He emphasised that the relationship between Ghana and China extended beyond military collaboration, stressing the need for both countries to continue working together to address emerging security threats in the West African sub-region.
“Our partnership extends beyond military cooperation. It is built on mutual understanding and respect, and we must continue working together to address emerging security challenges confronting the West African sub-region,” he stated.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Cong Song, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Ghana through military training, infrastructure development, equipment support and humanitarian collaboration.
He said defence cooperation remained a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, which was founded on mutual trust, respect and practical cooperation.
Mr Cong noted that China would continue implementing the outcomes of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama held in Beijing last year to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support Ghana’s development priorities.
He added that bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$14.1 billion in 2025, representing a 19.3 per cent increase over the previous year, and reiterated China’s commitment to supporting international peace through United Nations peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and broader security cooperation.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
