By Zobia Zulfqar 
China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Ghana, highlighting military training, infrastructure development, equipment support and humanitarian assistance as key areas of collaboration. The renewed commitment was announced during a reception in Accra to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking at the event, China’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Cong Song, said Beijing remained committed to working closely with Ghana to deepen military and security cooperation. He noted that the relationship between the two countries had continued to expand over the years through practical partnerships aimed at improving institutional capacity, professional military education and defence infrastructure.
The Ambassador explained that China regarded Ghana as an important partner in West Africa and would continue supporting initiatives that contribute to peace, stability and regional security. He said cooperation between the two countries extended beyond military exchanges and included humanitarian assistance, disaster response, peacekeeping support and technical collaboration.
Mr Cong Song stated that military cooperation had become an important pillar of the broader bilateral relationship between Ghana and China. According to him, regular exchanges between defence institutions have strengthened mutual trust while creating opportunities for personnel training, knowledge sharing and professional development.
He noted that China had supported several infrastructure projects and equipment assistance programmes aimed at improving the operational capacity of Ghana’s armed forces. The Ambassador added that future cooperation would focus on strengthening institutional capabilities while promoting sustainable defence partnerships that benefit both countries.
The reception marking the PLA’s 99th anniversary brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, military officers and invited guests to celebrate the longstanding relationship between China and Ghana. The occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on decades of diplomatic cooperation and discuss future areas of collaboration.
Chinese officials emphasised that the People’s Liberation Army had evolved into a modern military force focused on national defence, international peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions. They noted that China remained committed to promoting peaceful development while contributing to global peace and security through international partnerships.
The event also highlighted China’s growing participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, where both China and Ghana have made significant contributions. Ghana has long been recognised as one of Africa’s leading contributors to international peacekeeping missions, while China has increased its involvement in recent years through personnel deployment, training and logistical support.
Officials observed that shared participation in peacekeeping operations has created additional opportunities for both countries to strengthen military cooperation and exchange operational experience. Such collaboration has enhanced mutual understanding while supporting international efforts to maintain peace in conflict affected regions.
Representatives of the Ghana Armed Forces welcomed the continued partnership and acknowledged China’s contribution to military education, specialised training and logistical support. Defence cooperation between the two countries has included officer training programmes, educational exchanges and technical assistance aimed at strengthening professional military standards.
The partnership has also extended to humanitarian activities and emergency response initiatives. Chinese officials noted that military cooperation today involves not only defence preparedness but also disaster relief, medical assistance and community support programmes that improve resilience during emergencies.
Analysts believe the expanding relationship reflects broader diplomatic and economic cooperation between Ghana and China. Beyond defence, both countries continue to work together in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, technology, health care and education. These partnerships have become an important part of Ghana’s international engagement strategy.
China has remained one of Ghana’s major development partners, supporting projects across several sectors through investment, financing and technical cooperation. The defence relationship complements these broader engagements by promoting security, stability and institutional development.
The reception concluded with renewed commitments from both sides to deepen bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests and peaceful engagement. Officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration would strengthen defence institutions, improve military professionalism and contribute to regional peace and security.
As China prepares to mark the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army, both countries reaffirmed their intention to expand practical defence cooperation while maintaining the longstanding diplomatic relationship that has developed over decades. The renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting stability, strengthening security institutions and advancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
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