Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana Hosts Handing Over Ceremony for Its Model Confucius Institute Building

On November 29th local time, a handing over ceremony for the Model Confucius Institute Building was held at the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana. Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Sun Baohong, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Hua Ertian, Vice President of Zhejiang University of Technology, hundreds of representatives from China-funded enterprises and teachers and students of the university witnessed together this important moment in the history of cultural and education cooperation between China and Ghana.

Model Confucius Institute Building

H.E. Sun Baohong stated in her speech that the importance of the cooperation between China and Ghana and pointed out that the constant increase of Chinese learners in Ghana is largely due to the efforts by the Confucius Institute and Chinese and foreign universities. In addition, she presented a gift, a tapestry named “Pheasant and Peony”, to the Confucius Institute, implying that the completion of the Model Confucius Institute Building is of great help in promoting cultural exchanges between China and Ghana to a further level.

Sun Baohong making a speech

The tapestry named “Pheasant and Peony”

The Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) sent a congratulatory letter to the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana. In the letter, the headquarters praised the performance of the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana in its three-year operation and wished the Confucius Institute a great and continual success.

Letter of congratulation

On behalf of the University of Ghana, Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu extended gratitude to the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) and Zhejiang University of Technology for their great support for the building of the Confucius Institute.

Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu delivering a speech

Hua Ertian hoped that the Confucius Institute continues to exert itself in playing the leading role of the “Global Model Confucius Institute”.

Hua Ertian delivering a speech

Without full support from the community, particularly donations and support from the China-funded enterprises, successful completion of the Model Confucius Institute Building at the University of Ghana would not be possible. At the ceremony, the Confucius Institute presented silk banners for these sponsor enterprises to extent its gratitude.

Presenting silk banners to sponsor enterprises

At the ceremony, students of the Confucius Institute presented sign language dance “A Grateful Heart” and chorus “Tomorrow Will Be Better” to express their gratitude to those who care about and support the development of the Confucius Institute and their expectations for the bright future of the Confucius Institute.

Sign language dancing “A Grateful Heart”

With wonderful performance of Chinese traditional dragon dance and lion dance, Sun Baohong, Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu, Hua Ertian and other guests cut the ribbons and unveiled the nameplate for the Model Confucius Institute Building. Through tree planting, a traditional way of celebration in Ghana, Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu extended best wishes for the Confucius Institute and wished long-lasting friendship between the Chinese and foreign universities of the Confucius Institute.

Cutting ribbons

Unveiling nameplate

Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu watering the “Friendship Tree”

After the ceremony, guests present visited the Model Confucius Institute Building. The building has a three-story structure covering more than 1,300 square meters and is equipped with office, auditorium, classroom, library, conference room and Chinese Traditional Cultural Center. In the center, there are many exhibitions for Chinese traditional clothing, the Eighteen Arms, paper-cutting of the Chinese Zodiac, Chinese tea art, perfume appreciation and Chinese traditional musical equipment.

Audience taking photos with cheongsam

The Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana was co-organized by Zhejiang University of Technology and the University of Ghana. It started running in April 2014 and won the honorary title of “Global Model Confucius Institute” in December 2015. So far, there are 9 teaching sites and more than 3,000 registered students at the Confucius Institute. During the last three years, the Confucius Institute has sent over 120 students to China to study Chinese and introduced a large number of outstanding graduates to Ghana-based China-funded enterprises. Besides the Chinese language teaching, the Confucius Institute also takes an active part in participating and hosting all kinds of Chinese cultural events, which received great attention and full support from all sectors of the community.