UCC Emerges as a Leading Center for Chinese Language Training in West Africa

UCC Establishes Regional Training Centre for Chinese Language Education.

The Confucius Institute in Ghana has launched its first Regional Training Centre for Chinese Teachers in West Africa at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). This initiative is designed to equip students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Teaching Chinese Language, as well as provide specialized training for local Chinese language instructors across the region.


Professor Emmanuel Amo Ofori, Director of the Confucius Institute in Ghana, expressed enthusiasm about UCC's selection as the host institution. He highlighted the university’s prestigious reputation, stating, "UCC was chosen because it is the number one university in Ghana and West Africa. This initiative will significantly enhance our internationalization efforts."

According to Prof. Amo Ofori, the Confucius Institute at UCC played a key role in securing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ghana's Ministry of Education and its counterpart in China. He also revealed plans to introduce Chinese language instruction at the basic school level across Ghana, citing China’s growing influence in Ghana’s economy as a major reason for expanding language education.


Strengthening Educational Partnerships

During the launch, UCC’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, emphasized that the establishment of the training centre goes beyond creating a physical space. Instead, it represents a broader vision to foster cultural exchange, strengthen academic collaborations, and enhance the capabilities of local Chinese language teachers. He reiterated the university’s full commitment to supporting the centre’s mission.


Prof. Aheto also noted that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Johnson-Nyarko Boampong has engaged with the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Education on multiple occasions. These discussions ultimately led to the decision to establish the Regional Training Centre at UCC.


Currently, the Confucius Institute at UCC offers a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese programme and operates 15 outreach centres across the Central and Western regions of Ghana. These centres cater to students eager to learn the Chinese language and culture. However, the increasing demand for Chinese language education has created a pressing need for more qualified teachers.


Addressing the Need for Skilled Chinese Language Educators.


Recognizing this challenge, the new training centre aims to develop highly skilled teachers who are not only proficient in the language but also understand its cultural context. Prof. Aheto described the centre as a “beacon of excellence” that will provide structured training programmes, workshops, and resource development initiatives. These efforts will enhance professional competencies, promote cross-cultural understanding, and establish sustainable Chinese language education in West Africa.


Professor OU Yamei, China Director of the Confucius Institute at UCC, also highlighted the rising demand for Chinese language education due to Ghana’s economic ties with China. She expressed confidence that the training centre will help bridge the gap by producing more qualified teachers to meet this growing interest.


"This initiative will address the demand for Chinese teachers not only in Ghana but across West Africa," she noted, adding that the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, under China’s Ministry of Education, is providing funding, facilities, and teaching materials for the programme.


The establishment of this training centre marks a significant step in advancing Chinese language education in West Africa. By equipping local educators with the necessary skills, the University of Cape Coast is positioning itself as a leading institution in fostering cross-cultural understanding and international collaboration.


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