Senior commanders from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by Senior Captain Zhou Hanwen have paid a courtesy call at the Ministry following the weekend arrival of the hospital ship AUSPICIOUS ARK (Hull 868) at the Port of Tema.
The Chief Director, Mr Emmanuel Kartey, on behalf of the Minister, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei received the delegation together with some directors. He commended the Chinese military for bringing tangible humanitarian support directly to Ghana which underscores the deepening bilateral relations and growing maritime cooperation between Accra and Beijing, centered around humanitarian assistance, joint training and regional maritime safety. Mr Kartey further stated that as part of military diplomacy, the visit of the hospital ship would expand the medical exchanges and strengthen professional relations between medical personnel of both countries. He added that the engagements would promote the sharing of clinical knowledge and experience.
Senior Captain Hanwen appreciated the support China had received from Ghana in various cooperations. He stated that the seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical mission under ‘Mission Harmony 2026’ is the first Chinese naval hospital ship to arrive in Ghana thus it will provide medical services to the public as well as provide opportunities for professional exchanges between Ghanaian and Chinese military medical personnel to learn from each other’s practices in healthcare delivery and humanitarian assistance.
The hospital ship is equipped with modern medical equipment, operating theatres, intensive care units and a specialized team of military doctors and nurses. The floating hospital will offer free medical, surgical and dental care to thousands of Ghanaians as well as conduct cross-training workshops with local healthcare professionals. The AUSPICIOUS ARK is scheduled to remain docked at Tema till October 30, conducting free outpatient clinics, specialized surgeries and community wellness visits in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service and the Ministry of Health.
