The Confucius Institute, a public educational and cultural promotion programmes, funded and arranged by the Chinese International Educational Foundation, of the People’s Republic of China, has been formally inaugurated at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. The opening of the third Confucius Institute (CI) in Ghana at KNUST was a collaboration between KNUST, Confucius Institutes, and the Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT).
The inaugural ceremony saw beautiful performances (lion dance) by the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast and the Show of Martial Art, Essence of China, by the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana (UG). Patrons were also entertained with Chinese language arts and connotations performance, Han and Fashion show by the LBY Creative Academy.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, stated that KNUST as the number one destination for quality education (SDG 4), continues to thrive on excellent partnerships with institutions all over the world. The hosting of the CI at KNUST, therefore, will help to strengthen the University’s international linkages and existing ties with Chinese institutions and the People’s Republic of China at large. Professor (Mrs.) Dickson lauded the efforts of the Chinese over the years through its partnerships and support to the University. She noted that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will be home to the Institute. She noted that KNUST’s hosting of the CI would culminate in the running of modules and undergraduate programmes including learning Chinese. Among other things, the Institute will help enhance the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among Ghanaians. She expressed the University Management’s appreciation to the partners involved and pledged their support for the success of the CI.
In his keynote speech, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Lu Kum who joined the programme online, lauded the long and cordial relations between Ghana and China as well as KNUST, over the past decades. H. E. Lu Kum stated that the Confucius Institutes are non-profit educational institutions jointly established by Chinese and overseas partner institutions based on the principles of mutual respect, friendly consultation, equality, and mutual benefit. He revealed that the establishment of the Institute should firstly be applied for voluntarily by the overseas institutions. Its scope of service includes Chinese language examination and certification, and services regarding Chinese education, culture, economy, among others, he added.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Honourable Simon Osei-Mensah commended the Chinese Ambassador and the Embassy for the cooperation. Hon. Osei-Mensah noted that the CI being the third in Ghana to be hosted with HUAT will help both students, faculty and the people of the Ashanti Region access Chinese education, technology, social and cultural exchanges.
In a goodwill message from the Chinese International Education Foundation and Chairperson of Council of HUAT, Professor Zhang Wenxue, said the co-hosting of KNUST and HUAT will strengthen the partnership between the two institutions in teaching, learning and research. Professor Wenxue said the latest information reveals that there are four hundred and ninety-nine (499) CIs in one hundred and sixty (160) countries and regions around the world. He reiterated that the collaborative efforts will also strengthen economic, educational, and cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Ghana. In addition, it will promote friendly relations between China and Ghana and the multi-cultural development between China and Ghana. He also pledged his outfit’s support in co-hosting the Institute.
The President of the Overseas Association of Chinese Societies in Ghana, Mr. Tang Hong, congratulated both countries and Institutions for the partnership. He stated that Ghana and China have enjoyed good trade relations, with many Chinese companies in Ghana providing employment to Ghanaians. According to Mr. Hong, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Ghana will continue to support mutually beneficial developmental efforts in Ghana.
In his closing remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, said the KNUST- HUAT collaboration is a testament to the importance of partnerships in global education and pledged Management’s support to the success of the operation of the Institute at KNUST.
The plaque of the Confucius Institute was officially unveiled and Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson and Professor Zhang Wenxue, signed the implementation agreement.