Tanzania High Commissioner Visits the Kiswahili Section of the Modern Languages Department

H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana presenting a gift to Prof. IIdiko Csajbok-Twerefou

The High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Nigeria, under whose jurisdiction Ghana falls, His Excellency Dr. Benson Alfred Bana, has recently paid a courtesy call to the Kiswahili Section of the Modern Languages Department. He was accompanied by Mr. Philbert B. Peter, First Secretary, Head of Economic Diplomacy Affairs at the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Welcoming the High Commissioner, Prof. Ildiko Csajbok-Twerefou, Head, Department of Modern Languages expressed gratitude for the visit. She informed H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana of the intention of the University to introduce a Masters's programme in Kiswahili in the nearest future.

In brief remarks, Prof. Josephine Dzahene Quarshie of the Kiswahili Section acknowledged the contributions of Tanzania and the University of Dar es Salaam in setting up the Kiswahili Section of the Modern Languages Department. She was appreciative of the efforts of Emeritus Prof. Assibi Amidu and Mrs. Hamida Harrison, pioneer faculty of the Kiswahili Section and the University of Ghana for consolidating the study of Kiswahili in Ghana.

On his part, H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana expressed delight at the warm reception he had received. He commended the University for promoting the Kiswahili language and assured the Kiswahili Section of continuous support of the Tanzanian government. He also committed to ensuring that the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Dar es Salaam and University of Ghana’s Kiswahili Section is revived and implemented.  In his interaction with some members of the Swahili Students Association, H.E. Dr. Bana encouraged them to study hard as they will be presented with several unique opportunities, especially with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declaring 7 July of each year as World Kiswahili Language Day and African Union’s declaration of Kiswahili as an official working language of the Union.

H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana making an address

H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana also visited the Kiswahili Section’s library as part of his courtesy call. Prof. Csajbok-Twerefou and H.E. Dr. Bana later exchanged gifts.

H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana in a group photo after visiting the Kiswahili Section’s library

Present at the meeting were Dr. Sarah Marjie, Kiswahili Section Coordinator; Dr. Felix K. Sosoo and Mrs. Ruth Ndekiro, both faculty of the Kiswahili Section.

H.E. Dr. Alfred Bana in a group photo with some faculty members and students