A total of 140 students studying Chinese language and culture at the centres established by the Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have been awarded for excellent performance in their studies.
Dubbed, the Chinese Ambassador Awards, the students were presented with cash prizes in recognition of their performance.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Lu Kun, in an address, expressed his gratitude to the Confucius Institute for supporting the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture in Ghana.
He indicated that the learning of the Chinese language could help create a bridge between the two countries as well as cementing the bilateral relations and promotion of economic transformation.
The Ambassador stated: “As China became the second largest economy in the world, learning Chinese helps you not only better understand China but also share China’s development dividends and realise your dreams”.
He explained that China had numerous investments in the country and was ready to partner with development initiatives being rolled out for the government.
He indicated that, the learning of Chinese language was very important as it facilitates exchange between Ghanaians and their Chinese counterpart.
Mr Lu was enthusiastic that the awards would facilitate students studying Chinese language to excel in their respective areas.
For his part, the Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, explained that the study of Chinese language came with various opportunities in different fields of human engagement.
He noted that the influence of the Chinese language continued to increase and Ghanaians could not afford to lag behind in the learning of the language.
“Chinese language provides the keys to unlock the door to a world of opportunities. There are numerous employment opportunities in the growing number of Chinese enterprises in Ghana.”
He, therefore, encouraged the students to take the learning of the Chinese language seriously in order to be competitive in the current global arena.
Prof. Ishmael Mensah, Ghana Director, Confucius Institute, expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana for the support.
He noted that, the award would motivate the students to take keen interest in the learning of the Chinese language.
The China Director at the Confucius Institute, UCC, Prof. Ou Yamen, in her welcome address, acknowledged the determination of students in learning the Chinese language.
She noted that, a number of students over the years had benefitted from the Chinese Ambassador’s award scheme established some years ago.
The Confucius Institute since its establishment in 2016, she explained, had established 14 Chinese language and cultural training centres.
FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, CAPE COAST
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