A colourful ceremony has been organised to inaugurate a Confucius Institute here at the University of Ghana.
The Confucius Institute will help teach the Chinese language, culture, and philosophy and promote interdependency among nations, especially Ghana and the People’s Republic of China.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, who chaired the ceremony, noted in his opening remarks that the establishment of the Confucius Institute was in fulfilment of an earlier recommendation made when the University began offering the Chinese at the Department of Modern Languages in May 2008. He was hopeful that with its establishment, the Institute would be able to nurture and foster the growth of the Chinese language and culture. The Vice-Chancellor also looked forward to a mutual exchange of students to allow Chinese students to learn more about the Ghanaian culture.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ghana, Gong Jianzhong, who was present at the ceremony, spoke of his country’s unflinching support for the Institute.
The Director of the University Affairs Committee at the Zhejiang University of Technology, Professor MEI Xinlin, said his institution was elated to be associated with the University of Ghana and presented a scholarship package for 36 students of the University of Ghana studying Chinese for the “Year Abroad” Language Proficiency Programme. This was received by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Rev. Professor Cephas Omenyo.
Prof. Cephas Omenyo (left) receiving the Scholarship Package from Prof. Mei Xinlin
Prof. Mei Xinlin, Director of University Affairs Committee, Zhejiang University of Technology
The Director in charge of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of education, Mr Donald Tay, who represented the Honourable Minister of Education, lauded the idea for establishing the Institute and pledged the government’s unflinching support to the programme.
Mr Donald Tay, Director (Tertiary Education), Ministry of Education, delivering a speech on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Education
Chinese students held the audience spellbound with a spectacular performance in the Chinese language and dance.
Students studying Chinese performing at the ceremony
The launch was followed by the unveiling of a plaque at the Confucius Institute located in the Reginald Amonoo Building at the Department of Modern Languages, University of Ghana.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Aryeetey (left) and Prof. MEI Xinlin of the Zhejiang University of Technology after the inauguration of the Confucius Institute.
The two institutions later exchanged gifts.
Prof. Kweku Osam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs (left), presenting a gift on behalf of the University to Prof. Mei Xinlin
Prof. Cephas Omenyo receiving a gift presented by the Zhejiang University of Technology to the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana.
Officials pose with students studying Chinese.