The Confucius Institute of Ghana has officially established its first Regional Training Centre for Chinese Teachers in West African Countries here at the University of Cape Coast.
The Training Centre aims to nurture students with Bachelor’s degrees in Teaching Chinese Language and provide training for local Chinese language teachers in West Africa.
Professor Emmanuel Amo Ofori, the Director of the Confucius Institute in Ghana, expressed excitement about the University being the pivotal point for individuals in West Africa who are interested in studying the Chinese language and culture.
He stated that “UCC was chosen because it is the number one university in Ghana and West Africa…So, it’s a good thing for this university and it’s going to enhance our internationalization agenda.”
According to Prof. Amo Ofori, the Confucius Institute at UCC has been instrumental in promoting the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Education in Ghana.
Addressing the media at the launch, Prof Amo Ofori revealed that the Chinese language will soon be taught in basic schools across Ghana.
He emphasized that with the growing influence of the West and China’s significant role in Ghana’s economy, learning Chinese has become essential, opening up numerous opportunities.
“We’ll get to understand their culture, they will also understand us and it will lead to the smooth running of our relationship between China and Ghana.”
On the establishment of the training centre, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, stated that it is not merely the launch of a physical space but represents the realization of a vision to bridge cultures, strengthen educational partnerships, and equip local teachers with the necessary skills to teach Chinese effectively across West Africa.
He reiterated the university’s full commitment to supporting the training centre and its mission.
Prof. Aheto emphasized that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson-Nyarko Boampong, has visited China on several occasions to engage the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, which resulted in the siting of the Regional Training Centre for Local Chinese Teachers in West African Countries on the University campus.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast runs a BA Chinese programme, has 15 outreach centres spread across central and western regions of Ghana, accommodating many outreach students who come to the institute to study Chinese language and culture.
However, this growing interest presents a challenge: the need for qualified, well-trained Chinese teachers who not only master the language but also understand the cultural nuances necessary for effective teaching.
The Pro Vice Chancellor notes that the training centre will serve as a beacon of excellence in addressing this challenge.
“Through carefully designed training programmes, workshops, and resource development opportunities, the centre will enhance professional development competencies, promote cross-cultural understanding, and develop sustainable language education.”
Professor OU Yamei, the China Director of the Confucius Institute at UCC, mentioned that the economic development in Ghana has led to a growing interest among students and the general public in learning the Chinese language.
She, however, expressed her belief that the training centre will help meet the increasing demand for qualified International Chinese teachers, driven by the growing interest in learning the language.
“This can solve the demands of Chinese teachers in Ghana, even in West Africa. This is the most important. This one is funded by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, the Ministry for Education, China. They also fund us with some facilities and teaching materials.”
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Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
