Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu with Mr. Tian Xuejun
A delegation led by the Chinese Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Tian Xuejun, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, to discuss ways of deepening cooperation between the University of Ghana and Universities in China. He was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency, Shiting WANG,
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Government of China for its continuous support for the University in the area of teaching and learning of the Chinese language and culture. He said from 2009 when Chinese language was introduced as part of the Bachelor of Arts degree programme hundreds of students have majored in Chinese language, with about 1,000 students graduating currently studying Chinese at various levels. Out of this number, a number of them have graduated from the University and some are pursuing studies at the graduate level in China.
Chinese delegation interact with students at the Confucius Institute
Prof. Owusu further noted that the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, has since its establishment made giant strides in enhancing the teaching of Chinese not just at the University but at the University Basic School. He said the activities of the Confucius Institute has created opportunities for students to learn, improve and showcase their knowledge in Chinese language and culture.
The Vice-Chancellor used the opportunity to appeal to the Chinese government to help expand the existing infrastructure at the Confucius Institute as well as build residential facilities to accommodate the Chinese lecturers and volunteers.
In response, the Chinese Deputy Minister of Education Mr. Tian Xuejun, expressed appreciation for the warm reception since his arrival in Ghana. He indicated that he had been fortunate to meet with the President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President, H.E. Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia, during which they discussed cooperation between Ghana and China in the area of education.
Mr. Tian Xuejun chronicled the achievements of the University of Ghana, recalling distinguished persons who have occupied the position of Chancellor of the University, such as Mr. Kofi Annan and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He said the University of Ghana was an institution which had nurtured many politicians in Ghana, including three former Presidents. Mr. Tian Xuejun was elated that even though the Confucius Institute was only 5 years old, it has received massive support from the leadership of the University, members of the University community and volunteers of the Confucius Institute. He indicated that Ghana has the most graduates in China among all African countries.
With respect to the request on infrastructural support to enhance the Confucius Institute and augment accommodation facilities for Chinese volunteers, Mr. Tian Xuejun recommended that the University liaise with the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana to send a list of priority projects through the government of Ghana to the Chinese Government. He solicited ideas from other members of senior management and faculty so as to strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries.
A number of officials were present at the ceremony: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Francis Dodoo; Provosts of the Colleges of Education, Health Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Michael Tagoe, Prof. Patrick Ayeh-Kumi and Prof. Samuel Adjei Mensah respectively; the Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia; Acting Director, Academic Affairs, Mrs. Christy Badu, Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa; Ghanaian Director, Confucius Institute, Dr. Josephine Dzahene Quarshie, Chinese Director, Prof. Chu Beijuan, Mr. CAI Binbin, Officer, Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, Legon as well as other senior administrators.
Photograph of Officials present at the courtesy call
Other members of the entourage were Mr. ZHU Jing; Political Counsellor, Chinese Embassy; Accra, Mr. LI Xudong; Director of the Division of Asia and Africa, Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Ministry of Education, China, Ms. SHAO Xubo; Director of the Division of Asian and African Confucius Institutes, Confucius Institute Headquarters, China, Ms. LIU Yun; Programmes Coordinator of the Division of Asian and African Confucius Institutes, Confucius Institute Headquarters, China.
Mr. Tian Xuejun and Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu exchange gifts
Chinese delegation visits the Balme Library
