The Confucius institute at the University of Ghana in collaboration with Sunda (GH) Real Estate Company Limited and Ghana Chinese News on Saturday 18th March, 2017 hosted the first ever Campus Recruitment by Chinese Enterprises in Ghana. This historic event took place at the Mensah Sarbah field of the University of Ghana. Thirty-five Chinese Enterprises participated in this recruitment exercise.
Dignitaries at the event were the Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chai Zhijing, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students’ Affairs) of the University of Ghana, Professor Samuel Offei, the President of Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Ghana Association of Chinese companies as well as Chairman of the CAITEC Group, Mr. Tang Hong.
Dignitaries at the event
In her opening address, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Meilian Mei stated that the “2017 Campus Recruitment” was the Institute’s first attempt to connect Chinese enterprises with students of the University of Ghana as well as the general public. This being the maiden edition, she stated that it was a real challenge for the Institute. Nonetheless, they felt obliged to do it in order to strengthen the relationship between the Chinese and Ghanaian people, emphasising on the importance of sharing.
Counsellor Chai Zhijing who represented the Chinese Embassy also stated in his speech that the recruitment program would promote the development of the economies of both countries as it will provide the much needed job opportunities for the Ghanaian people as well as solve the human resource needs of the Chinese enterprises. He therefore commended the Confucius Institute for the important role it is playing in enhancing cultural exchange and understanding between China and Ghana.
Professor Samuel Offei, on his part expressed the excitement of the University of Ghana about the program as it complimented efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating great opportunities for students of the University. He further stated that with many industries folding up in recent years, the competition is fierce for the few available jobs. He further pointed out that available data indicates that public and private universities alone turn out over 55,000 graduates yearly, and with the recent upgrading of polytechnics to universities the competition is going to get stiffer. For him therefore, it is heart-warming that the Chinese business community would come to the doorsteps of the university. On this note, he advised all students gathered to perform above average and contribute to the life wire of the companies while applying their skills and continually learning and being innovative. Ending his speech, he wished both parties a very fruitful engagement.
Professor Samuel Offei
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included, the President of Chinese Association of Fujian in Ghana and General Manager of Sentou Steel Co. Ltd, Mr. Xu Ningquan, the President of China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Liu Kang, and the President, of Ghana Chinese Trader’s Association, Mr. Zheng Shengli, as well at the Directors of the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana Dr. Meilian Mei and Dr. Josephine Dzahene Quarshie.
Some students interacting with chinese recruiting officers
