The Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has called for greater investment, collaboration, and innovation to strengthen the standards and quality of Chinese language education in Ghana.
Speaking at the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing, China, he said improving teaching of the Chinese language was essential to deepening educational cooperation and preparing Ghanaian learners for global opportunities. “We must work collectively to enhance standards and ensure that Chinese language education in Ghana meets international expectations,” he stated.
Prof. Aheto highlighted UCC’s growing prominence on the global academic stage, noting that the University had retained its position as the number one institution in Ghana and West Africa for five consecutive years, and is currently ranked 11th in Africa according to the 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings. “Our achievements reflect our commitment to excellence and our readiness to contribute meaningfully to international academic collaboration,” he said.
Ag. Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, speaking at the conference
He expressed appreciation to Hunan City University and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) for their longstanding partnership with UCC, describing it as “a collaboration that continues to transform Chinese language education in Ghana.”
He indicated that through the partnership, the Confucius Institute at UCC (CIUCC), established in 2016, had evolved into a major centre for Chinese language and cultural education. The Institute runs student exchange programmes, cultural activities, and curriculum development initiatives, as well as the Regional Training Centre for Local Chinese Teachers in West Africa, which has already trained 100 teachers.
Touching on the growing interest in Chinese studies, Prof. Aheto noted that CIUCC managed over 16 Confucius Classrooms and teaching centres and trained more than 11,000 students annually. He said the Institute now runs a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese, a number of proficiency courses, and major cultural events.
He celebrated the Institute’s achievements in global competitions, adding that Ghana’s contestants in the Chinese Bridge competitions have performed exceptionally well, with primary school representatives ranking first among African participants.
Prof. Denis W. Aheto and Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori with some officials at the conference
He also mentioned CIUCC’s role in facilitating an MoU between the Ministries of Education of Ghana and China to introduce Chinese language into the JHS and SHS curricula. Ten schools are currently piloting the initiative.
Despite the progress, Prof. Aheto acknowledged persistent challenges such as inadequate resources, insufficient teacher training, and gaps in assessment and quality assurance. He called for renewed national commitment, stating, “We must address these challenges head-on if we want sustainable, high-quality Chinese language education.”
Prof. Aheto reaffirmed UCC’s dedication to expanding access to Chinese education. “Our hope is that every Ghanaian will have the opportunity to learn Chinese and benefit from the bridges we are building between Ghana and China,” he said.
Over 2,000 government officials, experts, scholars, university presidents, vice-chancellors and representatives of international organisations from more than 160 countries and regions participated in the conference.
The Ag. Vice-Chancellor of UCC receiving a plaque from the Director General of Confucius Institute, Hanban
As part of the conference activities, Director General of the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), Yu Yunfeng, presented a plaque to Prof. Aheto to signify UCC’s designation as the host of the West African Regional Centre for Local Chinese Language Teachers.
The Vice-Chancellor’s delegation included the Provost, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, Ghana Director of CIUCC, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori and China Director of CIUCC, Prof. Ou Yamei.