2026 Russian Language Day Celebration Strengthens Ghana-Russia Cultural and Academic Ties
The 2026 Russian Language Day has been marked at the University of Ghana with a celebration highlighting the role of language in promoting intercultural understanding, academic exchange and international cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
The event, organised by the Russian Section of the Department of European Languages in collaboration with the Russian Embassy in Ghana, brought together diplomats, faculty members, students and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the Russian language and its rich literary and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head of the Department of European Languages, Dr. Joanna Boampong, described language as a powerful tool for building bridges across cultures and nations. She noted that Russian, one of the six official languages of the United Nations, serves as an important medium for diplomacy, science, literature and international cooperation.
"Language remains our most powerful tool for empathy. When we learn another language, we do not just memorise vocabulary; we learn to see the world through other people's eyes," she said.
Representing the Provost of the College of Humanities, the Dean of the School of Languages, Prof. Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie, underscored the significance of Russian Language Day, which is observed annually on 6 June in honour of the renowned Russian poet and founder of modern Russian literature, Alexander Pushkin.
Prof. Dzahene-Quarshie highlighted Pushkin's African ancestry, noting that his legacy reflects a unique historical connection between Africa and Russia. She also emphasised the University of Ghana's longstanding commitment to Russian language education, pointing out that Russian has been taught at the University for more than six decades.
She encouraged students to actively participate in language-related cultural activities, stressing that language learning extends beyond the classroom and is enriched through engagement with culture, literature, music and cuisine.
The Russian Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, His Excellency Andrei Eduardovich Ordash, commended the University for its contribution to the teaching and promotion of the Russian language and culture. Delivering his first public address in Ghana, he described the University of Ghana as one of Africa's leading academic institutions and praised its role in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
According to the Ambassador-Designate, approximately 500 students are currently studying Russian at the University of Ghana, reflecting a growing interest in the language and Russian culture among Ghanaian students.
"Russian is a national treasure of Russia and one of the key languages of world science, diplomacy and culture," he said, adding that it continues to strengthen educational, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Ghana and Russia.
Encouraging students to remain committed despite the language's complexity, he said mastering Russian could unlock significant educational opportunities.
A notable highlight of the celebration was the special recognition of retired Senior Lecturer, Dr. Kweku Asinah Bilson, for his dedicated service and significant contributions to the teaching and development of Russian language studies at the University of Ghana. He was presented with a Citation of Honour. Receiving the honour, Dr. Bilson expressed his surprise and gratitude to the Department for the recognition and thanked the organisers for the gesture.
The event featured a range of cultural and educational activities, including poetry recitals, musical performances, drama presentations, cultural exhibitions and a Russian cuisine competition, offering participants an immersive experience of the Russian language and culture.