A delegation from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) hospital ship, AUSPICIOUS ARK (Hull 868) paid a courtesy call on Ghana's Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, at Naval Headquarters on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
The visit forms part of the ship's seven-day humanitarian medical mission and friendly visit to Ghana under the current PLAN 'Mission Harmony 2026'. The mission is designed to enhance medical cooperation, promote professional exchange, and further develop the bilateral relationship between the Ghana Navy and the PLAN.
At the meeting, the Mission Commander and Commanding Officer of the AUSPICIOUS ARK, Senior Captain Guan Bailin, duly thanked the Ghana Navy for the warm reception and the operational support which the ship's crew had received since their arrival in Ghana. He pointed out that the visit was a valuable opportunity to further cement the friendship and the technical cooperation which already exists between the two navies.
Rear Admiral Bessing welcomed the delegation and commended the crew for their humanitarian efforts, specifically the medical services they are providing Ghanaians. He noted that the assistance was appreciated by all and sundry and had brought real benefit to many.
The CNS also reiterated the continued strategic partnership between Ghana and China, specifically in the area of naval cooperation, pointing out the training opportunities for Ghana Navy personnel in China. He extended appreciation to the Chinese Defence Attaché to Ghana for the arrangements made to facilitate the programme.
The courtesy call reiterated the mutual commitment of the Ghana Navy and the PLAN to building mutual understanding, deepening institutional links and advancing cooperation in the areas of humanitarian assistance and maritime partnership.
The CNS later in the evening, hosted the AUSPICIOUS ARK crew to a dinner at Anchor House, Cantonments-Accra, providing an opportunity to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the Ghana Navy and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy.
Story by: Rabiatu Dery
Pictures by: Edwin Egu
