The cultural and language event took place at UCC and brought together a vibrant mix of students from the primary, junior and senior high schools, as well as tertiary schools, reflecting Ghana’s growing interest in international language education and cross-cultural exchange.

Participants travelled from various parts of the country, including the Central, Ashanti and the Greater Accra region, to display their talents and Chinese language proficiency.

Schools represented included Nouvel Community Academy, Happy Heart School, Cornerstone International School, University Junior High School, UCC, University Primary School, UCC, St. Nicholas Basic School and the St. Monica’s Basic School.

Others are the Wested International School, UCC, University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The Ghana National College, Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College and Aburaman Senior High School also came to observe the event.

The competition showcased an array of talented performances such as Chinese tongue twisters, voice dubbing, martial arts, traditional and modern Chinese songs and dances.

These performances reflected not only the linguistic skills of the participants but also their deep appreciation of Chinese culture.

At the primary level, Mafaatihi Wunnam Alidu-Cotachi from UCC Primary School emerged winner, with Kwaku Henaku Otsin, also from UCC Primary School, placing first runner-up. In the junior high category, Nana Akua Abakoma Amoako from KNUST JHS won the top prize, followed by Philip Don Amoah of UCC JHS as first runner-up.

In the tertiary division, Godfred Takyi Boateng from UCC was crowned the winner, while Charity Tetteh, also from UCC, came in as the first runner-up.

To reward their outstanding efforts, the winners at each level received a 64-inch television set.

The first runners-up were awarded air conditioners, the second runners-up took home mobile phones and those who placed third received tablets.

At the opening ceremony, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and the Confucius Institute for their continuous support in promoting Chinese language education in Ghana.

He highlighted the value of language as a cultural tool, stating, “Language reflects identity and heritage. By learning Chinese, we embrace knowledge that enhances Ghana-China relations.”

Professor Aheto congratulated all contestants for their participation and encouraged them to remain committed to learning the language, emphasising its importance in building international relationships.

Also present was the Director of the Confucius Institute, Ghana, Professor Amo Ofori, who reiterated that the Institute was not merely a language centre, but a cultural bridge connecting Ghana and China.

He noted that through language immersion activities such as calligraphy, poetry and festivals, the Institute fostered mutual understanding between the two nations.

He praised the students for being ambassadors of cross-cultural learning and encouraged them to continue exploring the opportunities language learning presents.

In the closing remarks, the Director of Confucius Institute, UCC (CIUCC), Prof. OU Yamei, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, the Government of Ghana, host universities and all stakeholders for their strong support in advancing Chinese language education.

She emphasised that the competition provided a platform for students to showcase their proficiency and serve as ambassadors of China-Ghana friendship. 

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, expressed his admiration for the remarkable talents the participants showcased in various performances.

He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

He also expressed gratitude to the event organisers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication in putting together such an amazing and impactful competition.