Chinese naval hospital ship arrives in Tema for a seven-day medical mission
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship, AUSPICIOUS ARK (Hull 868), has arrived at the Tema Port for a seven-day humanitarian medical mission and goodwill visit to Ghana under Mission Harmony 2026.
The vessel docked on Friday, October 23, 2026, in what is reported to be its first visit to the country. The mission aims to provide healthcare services to the public while promoting professional exchanges between Ghanaian and Chinese military medical personnel.
The Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Raymond Kyaano, who served as the Guest of Honour at the arrival ceremony, welcomed the ship and its crew on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, and the Ghana Armed Forces.
He described the visit as a significant opportunity to strengthen humanitarian assistance, enhance medical cooperation and improve the health and well-being of Ghanaians.
Commodore Kyaano also praised the visiting crew for their dedication to humanitarian service, noting that the delivery of specialised healthcare reflected the principles of compassion, service and international solidarity.
The Mission Commander and Commanding Officer of AUSPICIOUS ARK, Rear Admiral Guan Bailin, expressed optimism that the visit would expand medical collaboration and strengthen professional ties between healthcare teams from Ghana and China.
He said the planned engagements would promote the exchange of clinical knowledge and expertise, particularly in naval medicine, specialised healthcare delivery and emergency medical response.
The mission is also expected to provide an opportunity for medical personnel from both countries to share experiences and learn from each other’s healthcare systems and approaches to humanitarian assistance.
As part of the programme, the hospital ship will offer medical consultations and other healthcare services to the public using its onboard facilities.
The vessel is equipped with specialised medical departments and facilities, including laboratories, a dental clinic, gynaecology, ophthalmology, stomatology, surgical theatres and inpatient wards.
In addition to the services provided aboard the ship, medical outreach teams are expected to visit the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital and a military camp to conduct consultations, participate in academic exchanges and engage with Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
The seven-day mission is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and other institutions, alongside members of the visiting Chinese naval delegation.
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