Chinese state-owned defense company explores naval cooperation with Ghana

Executives of China's CATIC visited Ghana Navy to discuss military collaborations.
CATIC specializes in defense exports including aircraft, naval vessels, and technology.
Ghana prioritizes strengthening naval readiness through partnerships and modernization efforts.

During a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Ghana Navy, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, on June 2, 2025, at the Naval Headquarters in Accra, a delegation from China, led by CATIC executives, held discussions centered on potential areas of collaboration to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghanaian naval force.

According to Military Africa, the CATIC delegation was led by Mr. Fang Xu, the Director for the Africa Department, and included other key representatives from the corporation.

The primary purpose of their visit was to introduce CATIC to the leadership of the Ghana Navy formally and to initiate discussions on potential partnerships and cooperative ventures.

CATIC, known globally for exporting Chinese-made military aircraft, naval vessels, and other defense technology, often engages with foreign partners to promote strategic defense partnerships and offer tailored solutions to meet local security needs.

The visit to Ghana marks a potential step toward deepening Sino-Ghanaian military relations, particularly in maritime security and naval modernization.

Ghana’s increasing security challenges

West Africa is facing a surge in security threats, including terrorist insurgencies, military coups, inter-communal violence, and organized crime.

Ghana’s Rear Admiral Bessing welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Ghana's naval operations. military africa

Ghana, a coastal West African nation, is particularly vulnerable to maritime security threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.

Additionally, security analysts warn that Ghanaians, especially unemployed youth, are at risk of recruitment by jihadi groups operating in neighboring Burkina Faso, such as Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISGS).

These groups are expanding their territory and influence, threatening coastal states like Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire.

To address these challenges, Ghana is prioritizing enhancing naval readiness and access to modern maritime platforms and training.

International partnerships are crucial in strengthening Ghana's naval operations, as evident from the recent meeting between Ghana and the Chinese delegation, where both parties expressed optimism about potential future collaboration.

Ghana’s Rear Admiral Bessing welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Ghana's naval operations.

“Partnering with experienced international corporations like CATIC to bring in advanced technology and expertise is crucial for us to effectively tackle contemporary maritime security challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational crimes.” R/Adm Bessing stated.

While no formal agreements were signed during the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about the potential for future collaboration.