The Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana has celebrated its third year of operation at a ceremony which was sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Hanban, highlighted the achievements of the Institute over the past year.
Special Guests of Honour for the event were the Political Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Jiang Zhouteng and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA) of the University of Ghana, Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei.
Dr. Meilian Mei, the Chinese Director, gave a brief overview of the various activities carried out by the Institute during the year under review. The activities, she said included a campus recruitment fair dubbed “Campus Recruitment by Chinese Enterprises in Ghana.” She stated that the event, which was the first of its kind in Ghana, brought together Ghanaian students and Chinese enterprises in Ghana for their mutual benefits. She added that the Confucius Institute will continue to promote its core function of teaching Chinese language and culture, and will expand this to include vocational and technical training of Ghanaians either through scholarships or with the help of Chinese chambers and enterprises.
Currently the Confucius Institute, which is the only HSK Chinese proficiency test centre in Ghana, makes it possible for students to access scholarships. The Confucius Institute has established six teaching sites with over 2500 students offering courses in Chinese language proficiency, business Chinese, Chinese tea culture, Chinese Taichi, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese medicine.
In his address, Counselor Jiang Zhouteng stated that the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana is growing very fast and its influence and reputation continue to expand. Ghanaian Chinese students are increasing, and the proficiency of the students in the Chinese language has also improved significantly.
Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA) of the University of Ghana, giving his remarks
Professor Samuel Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, congratulated the Confucius Institute on its achievements and commended the Chinese Director Dr. Meilian Mei for sourcing financial assistance for the timely completion of the Model Confucius Institute building. He expressed his gratitude to the Chinese enterprises for their contribution to the Confucius Institute and also for the on-campus recruitment. He said further that the University of Ghana would support the work of the Confucius Institute.
The Confucius Institute presented special certificates of appreciation to its numerous partners, including the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, the Chinese enterprises Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese medical team and some media houses in gratitude for their contribution towards the success of the Institute.
The Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute presenting a certificate of appreciation to Ghana China Chamber of Commerce
Ghana China Chamber of Commerce in Wenzhou also presented to the Confucius Institute a beautifully made wooden wall hanging to express their congratulations.
The colourful ceremony was interspersed with wonderful performances of Chinese cultural dance, Kung Fu, and melodious songs by Ghanaian students.
Pupils of the University of Ghana Basic Schools performing a Chinese song
A group photograph of special guests and dignitaries
Other dignitaries present were the Provost of the College of Humanities, Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah; the Acting Ghanaian Director, Dr. Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie; President of Ghana Association of Chinese Societies and Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of CAITEC Group, Mr. Tang Hong; the General Secretary of China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Ghana; President of Chinese Association of Fujian in Ghana, Mr. Luo Zhongji; General Manager of Sentuo Steel, Mr. Xu Ningquan; Vice-President of Ghana Chinese Traders’ Association, Mr. Zhuge Chengman; the Campus Director, Webster University, Madam Christa E. Sanders; the Director of Alliance Française, Mr. Dalt and many more.
