Prof. Ou Yamei, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UCC.
Ghana has successfully held the national finals of the 24th edition of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition in Cape Coast, showcasing the talents of young Ghanaian students passionate about the Chinese language and culture.
The event, organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), brought together top performers from the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and UCC, along with participants from junior and basic schools across the country.
After a competitive display of language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and artistic expression, two UCC students—Godfred Takyi Boateng (Level 100) and Charity Tetteh (Level 400)—emerged as winners in the university category. They will represent Ghana at the global finals in China.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, commended all participants and encouraged them to continue on their linguistic journey. “Learning the Chinese language will bring you more opportunities in the future, enable you to better serve Ghana’s development, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana-China relations,” he said.
He further expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-China collaboration:
“China and Africa have designated 2026 as the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.’ This competition is part of that vision. It highlights the strength of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections.”
Ambassador Tong also applauded the Confucius Institute at UCC, praising the staff and volunteers: “The teachers and volunteers here are doing an outstanding job in promoting Chinese language education. Their dedication is deeply appreciated.”
UCC’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to global academic integration: “This competition is more than just a language contest—it is a celebration of intercultural understanding and academic excellence. UCC is proud to host this national event and play a key role in Ghana’s educational collaboration with China.”
Prof. Aheto also announced plans to establish a new training centre at UCC: “It will be the first of its kind in Ghana and West Africa, and a major step toward advancing language education and teacher capacity building.”
Prof Ou Yamei, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UCC, lauded the winners and encouraged broader student participation: “The experience these students will gain in China will not only enhance their language skills but also shape their personal and professional growth. These are life-changing opportunities.”
She added: “Such exchanges will continue to deepen the friendship between Ghana and China, and we are excited about what the future holds.”
Student winner Godfred Takyi Boateng expressed pride and excitement: “It is an honour to represent Ghana at the international level. I hope to make my country proud and encourage more students to study Chinese.”
Charity Tetteh also shared her gratitude: “I am deeply thankful for this opportunity. It is a dream come true, and I look forward to sharing Ghana’s culture while learning more about China.”
In the high school category, Nana Akua Abakoma Amoako from KNUST JHS emerged the overall winner, with Philip Don Amoah of UCC JHS taking first runner-up.
In the basic school category, Mafaatihi Wunnam Alidu-Cotachi of UCC Basic School came first, followed by Kwaku Henaku Otsin and Michelle Nhyira Yeboah, also from UCC Basic School. These winners will also represent Ghana in China.
The event highlighted the growing interest in the Chinese language and culture among Ghanaian youth and reaffirmed the strengthening educational and diplomatic relations between Ghana and China.
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