CHINA STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH GHANA AND AFRICA FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Her Excellency Sun Boahong has stated her country remains committed in partnering Ghana and Africa in ensuring security and economic stability.
She says China sees Africa as an important ally in the development of her country and will continue with its support to the continent. She made the remarks when her country presented four defender boats to the Ghana Western Naval Command as part of effort to re-equip the Ghana Navy to fight maritime threats in the country’s territorial waters.
The presentation forms part of a framework of bilateral security co – operation between China and Ghana for peace and security.
The Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo asserted that, with the persistent increase in activities within the oil and gas sector, the four vessels will enhance effective patrol of the nation’s maritime borders and curb related maritime threats.
The vesselswhich are named after distinguished past commanders of the Ghana Navy namely Rear Admiral John Gbenah, Rear Admiral 
Sampa Nuno, Rear Admiral Geofrey Bieko and Vice Admiral Mathew Quashie are fitted with modern navigational and communication equipment with standard armories to fight poaching, narcotic trafficking piracy and robbery on the nation’s territorial waters.
According to the Minister for Defense Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, the four defender vessels are in fulfillment of a promise made by the Chinese government in 2016. He indicated that the four defender boats have come at the right time as government is poised to protecting its oil fields following the recent ITLOS ruling.
“With these new boats the navy will find it easy to fight against poaching, illegal bunkering, arms trafficking and illegal siphoning of oil at the high seas” He said.
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By: Nana Kojo Ennimil Arthur/Beachfmonline.com/Ghana
