The Chinese Government has offered 81 training slots to Ghanaian military officers as Ghana and China seek to deepen cooperation in defence and security.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, HE Cong Song, announced the offer when he led a delegation from the Chinese Embassy on a courtesy call on the Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Ministry of Defence.
The visit focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Ghana and China, with particular attention to defence and security cooperation.
Ambassador Cong Song said the 81 slots would allow Ghanaian military officers to travel to China to broaden their knowledge and gain greater exposure to developments in defence and security.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to maintaining a strong and strategic partnership with Ghana, particularly in the area of defence.
According to the Ambassador, China’s support to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has included professional training, the provision of equipment and technology, facility construction, maritime assistance and support for peacekeeping operations.
He also called for enhanced security cooperation between the two countries to help address emerging threats across the sub-Saharan region.
Beyond military training, the Chinese Ambassador proposed greater collaboration in the defence industry, as both countries explore new opportunities to strengthen their security partnership.
He further announced that a Chinese naval hospital ship is expected to arrive in Ghana in October to provide medical services to Ghanaians.
Ambassador Cong Song invited the Defence Minister to participate in the opening ceremony of the hospital ship upon its arrival.
Ghana seeks broader cooperation
For his part, Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei said Ghana and China had built a longstanding relationship based on mutual cooperation across several sectors, including security.
He described the relationship as strategic and expressed Ghana’s readiness to expand cooperation with China in emerging areas such as renewable energy and advanced technology.
Mr Adjei stressed the need for balanced and sustainable development that would deliver benefits to both countries, while acknowledging the growing contribution of Chinese enterprises to Ghana’s economic development.
The Minister also commended China for its consistent support towards strengthening the operational readiness and capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He cited China’s assistance in professional training, technological advancement and the provision of critical military equipment.
According to him, Chinese support has also covered aviation and ground equipment, the construction of modern housing infrastructure and the installation of modern technological systems for the Ghana Armed Forces.
The meeting underscored the two countries’ shared interest in expanding their defence partnership while exploring new areas of cooperation in technology, security and the defence industry.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi
