Executives from the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) recently paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Ghana Navy, Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Godwin Livinus Bessing, at the Naval Headquarters in Accra. The visit, which took place on Monday, June 2, 2025, signals potential avenues for future collaboration aimed at boosting the operational capabilities of the Ghanaian naval force.
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.
For the Ghana Navy, enhancing its maritime operational capabilities through technological advancements is a strategic priority. The visit by CATIC, a major player in China’s aerospace and defence industry with a wide range of technological expertise, presents an opportunity to explore how such advancements can be leveraged.
Rear Admiral Bessing, in welcoming the delegation, expressed gratitude for their visit and the interest shown in collaborating with the Ghana Navy. He underscored the Navy’s commitment to seeking partnerships that can help modernise its fleet and improve its effectiveness in safeguarding Ghana’s maritime domain.
”The Ghana Navy is dedicated to ensuring the security and stability of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone,” R/Adm Bessing stated. “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.”
He further reaffirmed the Navy’s readiness to engage with CATIC to identify specific areas where collaboration could be mutually beneficial. The goal is to harness CATIC’s technological prowess to improve naval infrastructure, equipment, surveillance systems, and training programs, ultimately leading to enhanced operational readiness and capacity.
CATIC is a state-owned enterprise in China with a broad portfolio that includes aviation products, defence equipment, and various technological solutions. Its involvement in international defence cooperation often encompasses the supply of platforms, systems, and related support services. While the specifics of potential discussions with the Ghana Navy were not publicly detailed following the initial courtesy call, areas such as naval vessel modernisation, procurement of new maritime patrol assets, communication systems upgrades, or training support could be potential topics for future engagement.
The visit by CATIC executives highlights the growing defence and security interactions between Ghana and China. China has become a significant development and trade partner for many African nations, and defence cooperation, including training, equipment supply, and capacity building, forms a part of these broader relationships.
For the Ghana Navy, strategic international partnerships are vital as it seeks to expand its reach and capabilities to address the complex security landscape in the Gulf of Guinea. The region faces persistent threats that require significant investment in technology and training. Exploring partnerships with global defence technology providers is a standard approach for naval forces seeking to modernise and maintain operational superiority.
The courtesy call by the CATIC delegation represents an initial step in what could potentially evolve into a more formal cooperation agreement between the Chinese corporation and the Ghana Navy. Both parties appear optimistic about the prospects, signalling a shared interest in exploring how technological collaboration can contribute to strengthening Ghana’s maritime security architecture in the coming years. Further details regarding specific areas of cooperation are anticipated to emerge as discussions progress.
