The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, HE Cong Song, and a delegation from the Chinese Embassy have paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Defence, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Ministry of Defence. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the longstanding relationship between Ghana and China and explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence and security.

Welcoming the Ambassador and his delegation on behalf of the Government and the Ministry, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, noted that Ghana and China share a longstanding relationship characterised by mutual cooperation in various sectors, including security. He described the partnership as strategic and expressed Ghana’s readiness to expand collaboration with China, particularly in emerging areas such as renewable energy and advanced technology. The Minister stressed the importance of ensuring balanced and sustainable development that would benefit both countries, while acknowledging the growing contribution of Chinese enterprises to Ghana’s economic development.

Hon Adjei further commended China for its consistent support towards enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) through professional training, technological advancement and the provision of critical equipment. He expressed appreciation for China’s support in aviation and ground equipment, the construction of modern housing infrastructure and the installation of modern technological systems for GAF.

HE Cong Song reaffirmed China’s commitment to the strong and strategic partnership with Ghana, particularly in 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. He further announced the arrival of a Chinese naval hospital ship in Ghana in October to provide medical services to Ghanaians and invited the Defence Minister to participate in its opening ceremony.