Ghana Strengthens Defence and Security Partnership with China
The Minister for Defence, Mr Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has received the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song, and a delegation from the Chinese Embassy to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and China, particularly in defence and security.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding relations between the two countries and explored new areas of cooperation in response to emerging security and development needs.
Welcoming the Ambassador and his delegation on behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Defence, Mr Adjei said Ghana and China had maintained a longstanding partnership characterised by cooperation across several sectors, including security.
He described the relationship as strategic and expressed Ghana’s readiness to deepen collaboration with China, particularly in emerging areas such as renewable energy and advanced technology.
The Minister stated the need for cooperation between the two countries to promote balanced and sustainable development that would deliver mutual benefits to Ghana and China.
He also acknowledged the growing contribution of Chinese enterprises to Ghana’s economic development and said continued collaboration should create opportunities that strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
Mr Adjei commended the Chinese Government for its consistent support towards enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
He noted that China’s assistance through professional training, technological advancement and the provision of critical equipment had contributed significantly to the development of the GAF.
The Minister expressed particular appreciation for China’s support in aviation and ground equipment, the construction of modern housing infrastructure and the installation of modern technological systems for the Armed Forces.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Cong Song, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Ghana, particularly in the area of defence cooperation.
He acknowledged China’s support to GAF through professional training, equipment, technology, facility construction, maritime assistance and peacekeeping operations.
He disclosed that the Chinese Government had made available 81 slots for Ghanaian military officers to visit China to broaden their knowledge and exposure in defence and security.
The Ambassador also proposed enhanced cooperation in security to help address emerging threats in the sub-Saharan region and greater collaboration in the defence industry.
Ambassador Cong further announced the planned arrival of a Chinese naval hospital ship in Ghana in October.
The vessel, he said, would provide medical services to Ghanaians as part of China’s humanitarian and cooperation efforts.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
