Model Confucius Institute Building at the University of Ghana Commissioned

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu and the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Madam Sun Baohong have commissioned the Model Confucius Institute Building at the University of Ghana.

Giving the welcome address, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, congratulated the Confucius Institute for its rapid and impressive growth since its inception. She also commended the various teams that saw to the construction of the Confucius Institute in record time.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, in his remarks expressed delight over the giant strides made by the institute during the past three years of operation in the University. He noted that from humble beginnings, the Institute can now boast of three Confucius Institute teachers, eight volunteer teachers and one national service personnel. He also commended all who worked tirelessly in diverse ways including; the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Zhejiang University of Technology, the Confucius Institute Headquarters, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the various Chinese Enterprises in Ghana, the construction firm and the team from the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD) to complete the magnificent building in a record time of 6 months. According to Prof. Oduro Owusu, the building would serve not only as a centre for the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture, but also for Chinese traditional medicine and martial arts. He urged the Chines and Ghanaian Directors and Staff of the institute to continue working assiduously to achieve greater heights in the years ahead.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

In a congratulatory letter read on behalf of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, Dr. Melian Mei, Chinese Director of the Institute commented on the rapid improvement of the Confucius Institute over the years noting that, it has become an important platform for Ghanaians to learn Chinese language and culture. She said the building does not only symbolize a remarkable achievement, but also the friendship and partnership between Ghana and China and paves the way for the future development of the Institute.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Zhejiang University of Technology, Prof. Hua Ertian, said the Confucius Institute plays an important role of strengthening the partnership between both universities adding that the construction of the building will broaden the engagements between the two institutions.

The Special Guest of Honor, Her Excellency Madam Sun Baohong, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana disclosed that over 70 countries teach Chinese Language in some of their institutions hence contributing to the globalization of the Chinese Language. She also mentioned that the Confucius Institute has been awarded the honorary title of Global Model Confucius Institute. She encouraged Ghana and China to continue to work together to promote mutual understanding between the two countries.

Her Excellency Madam Sun Baohong, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana

Mr. Owusu-Mensah, Director of Special Duties at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a speech read on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Catherine Afeku, stated that the Ministry’s interest in seeing the Confucius Institute work together with the University to foster cultural exchange is as a result of the long lasting relationship that exists between Ghana and China since the 1st Republic. He pledged the Ministry’s support in promoting cultural exchanges between Ghana and China for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The Director of the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD), Mr. Charles Kofinti gave a comprehensive description of the facilities in the Confucius Institute building. He said the ground floor has an auditorium and two languages laboratories while the first floor comprises two lecture rooms and staff offices. He also mentioned that there is a multi-purpose attic for the display of Chinese artifacts and art work. He expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between the contractor and PDMSD to complete the building.

The two directors of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Meilian Mei and Dr. Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie took turns in presenting citations to some Chinese businesses in Ghana who donated funds for the construction of the multi-purpose attic. This was followed by a Chinese dance and music performance by students from the University Basic schools.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owusu planted a tree and unveiled a plaque, together with the Chinese Ambassador to commemorate the official opening of the building.

Also present at the ceremony were Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Provost, College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, a former Ghanaian Ambassador to China and President of the Ghana-China friendship society, H.E Mr. Amoh, members of the China Chamber of Commerce and members of the University Community.

The Confucius Institute Building

 

 

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