Ghana, which has limited and relatively underdeveloped domestic defence production capabilities, historically imported most of its weapon systems from China, according a report by Strategic Defence Intelligence (SDI).

Titled ‘Future of the Ghanaian Defense Industry – Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2021’, the report estimates that China accounts for 44% of Ghana’s imports, followed by Russia (19.8%), Germany (11.6%), Spain (11.6%) and Canada (6.3%).

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Ghana has small arms production capabilities, but imports most of its advanced weapon systems from external suppliers. Its imports principally comprise naval vessels, aircraft and armoured vehicles.

"A major portion of the capital equipment the country operates is also donated by friendly countries such as China, Germany and Canada."

Some of the aircraft imported by Ghana include Harbin Z-9EH utility helicopters, Super Tucano A trainer aircraft, Mi-35 attack helicopters, CASA C295M tactical airlifter and C-27J Spartan transport aircraft.

A major portion of the capital equipment the country operates is also donated by friendly countries such as China, Germany and Canada.

China, for instance, donated $3m-worth of machine guns and ammunition, in addition to four patrol boats to Ghana in November 2016.