China assists Defence Ministry on new office project

China is to support the Ministry of Defence with two and a half million US dollars to put up a new five million dollar three-storey office.

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour, Minister of Defence announced this on Monday when the new Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Mr Zhang Keyuan paid a courtesy call on him at the Burma Camp.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Dr Addo-Kufour recounted the good relation that exists between the two countries adding that, "your presence today should further strengthen that relationship.

" He said some of the assistance his Ministry has received from the Chinese Government included vehicles, construction of barracks to accommodate 130 staff and major artillery of the Armed Forces.

Similarly, officers of the Ghana Armed Forces were offered extensive training programmes in China, the Minister added. Mr Zhang Keyuan praised the Ghana Military for its peacekeeping effort that has gained international commendation and admiration.

He said both Ghana and China had enjoyed a cooperation, which needed to be strengthened to ensure socio-economic benefits to the two countries. Currently some of the assistance from the Chinese Government include the construction of a hospital in the Dangbe East District and a grant to support part of the Accra-Kumasi highway project.

He said Chinese businesses were investing in Ghana in diverse ways, adding that, a major investment was the Shanghai Alcatel investment of 150 million US dollars into the Ghanaian economy.

This he said showed the level of commitment of the Chinese Government and businesses to promote business in Ghana.