The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast and some selected basic schools in the Central Region have celebrated this year's Chinese Language Day, highlighting the importance of the Chinese language and cultural exchange in Ghana.

The celebration featured impressive performances by Chinese language learners, including traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and renditions of Chinese songs, highlighting the growing interest in the Chinese language and culture.

In 2010, the UN Department of Public Information established the day, with the aim "to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organisation".

This year's event,’ Chinese language, a gift across time and space’, was graced by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa. In his address, His Excellency Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the significance of language as a bridge for communication and a vital tool for international cooperation.

“In recent years, Chinese language education in Ghana has flourished,” he noted. “As an essential platform for China-Ghana cultural exchanges, Confucius Institutes have cultivated numerous outstanding students. China and Ghana share a long-standing friendship, now elevated to a strategic partnership. This bond has been strengthened by the commitment of Ghanaian brothers and sisters who have embraced the Chinese language.”

Ambassador Tong emphasised that the Chinese language serves as a golden key to deeper understanding and stronger ties between nations, encouraging continued collaboration in the field of education and culture.

In his address, the Central Regional Director of Education, Emmanuel Essuman, lauded the Confucius Institute for its effective collaboration with the regional education directorate in promoting multilingualism among students.

“As educators, we are called to be versatile, adaptable, and forward-thinking in an increasingly interconnected world,” Mr Essuman stated. “The ability to navigate multiple languages and cultures is no longer just an advantage—it is a necessity.”

He urged students to embrace multilingualism, citing its potential to unlock new experiences, cultural appreciation, and life-changing opportunities. “Embracing languages opens doors to diverse worlds that can profoundly enrich your personal and professional lives,” he added

Prof Ou Yamei, Director of CIUCC, outlined this year’s theme, “A Gift Across Time and Space,” as a reflection of the institute’s mission of fostering China–Ghana friendship through language and cultural education for mutual development and a shared future.

She stated that CIUCC has now established over 14 Confucius Classrooms and teaching centres across the Central Region, training more than 11,000 students annually through its Bachelor of Arts in Chinese degree, proficiency courses, and cultural programmes at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Prof Ou emphasised that “quality education is the greatest gift to youth,” opening a “window to the world” and equipping learners for “high-paying careers, international scholarships, summer camps, and further study opportunities.