His Excellency Lu Kun, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, has pledged the embassy’s commitment to assisting the Center for Language Education and Cooperation in establishing a Confucius Institute at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to promote the study of Chinese language and culture. He made the announcement in the IPO Singh Guest House Conference Room on Sunday, March 27th, 2022, during his working visit to KNUST.
Professor Daniel Y.A. Duah, Acting Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), and his team welcomed the Ambassador.
Ambassador Kun indicated that the China-Ghana relations date to the first President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which has seen collaboration in areas of education, economic and trade, culture, and politics among others. To this end, he said ‘As a result of the bilateral relationship between both countries, there is a need to establish another Confucius Institute in KNUST to enhance the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among Ghanaians.’
He seized the opportunity to appreciate the Management of KNUST for taking good care of Chinese Lecturers in KNUST. He inquired about the demand for Chinese language study at KNUST and how best the Embassy could assist. He was accompanied by Mr. LI Yaohong, Trading and Commercial Counsellor and Mr. Shang Lingfeng, Secretary.
Professor Duah, on behalf of Management, welcomed the delegation to the best University in Ghana. He stated that KNUST is liaising with Hubei University of Automotive Technology, China in the establishment of the Confucius Institute. He further expressed his delight in the partnership that exists between universities in China and Ghana.
He added that Management acknowledges the efforts of Chinese lecturers in promoting the teaching and learning of the Chinese language and culture in KNUST. He revealed that about 120 students have enrolled on the Chinese language programme as a minor course, however, due to the increasing number of students, the Department of Languages aim to develop it into a degree programme of study (BA. Chinese).
In this regard, Professor Duah solicited the deployment of additional Chinese lecturers to KNUST. Professor Duah also hoped that the Embassy would provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the processing of stipends for 2 Chinese lecturers.
The Ambassador presented 2 boxes of nose masks to KNUST. The entourage toured the Campus.