In a vibrant display of linguistic talent and cultural enthusiasm, Ghanaian youth recently showcased their passion for the Chinese language at the national finals of the Chinese Bridge Contest Ghana. The annual competition, officially known as the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, serves as a crucial platform for fostering intercultural exchange and strengthening ties between nations. This year, the 24th edition of the competition saw Ghana playing host to a remarkable event in Cape Coast, highlighting the growing educational and diplomatic partnership between Ghana and China. The event underscored not only the students’ impressive command of Mandarin but also their deep appreciation for Chinese culture, solidifying the Chinese Bridge Contest Ghana as a key event on the academic calendar.

The national finals, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), brought together students from various institutions across Ghana, including the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), UCC, and several junior and basic schools. Participants demonstrated their language proficiency through speeches, recitations, and cultural performances, showcasing their understanding of Chinese history, traditions, and contemporary society. The competition evaluated students not only on their linguistic abilities but also on their cultural knowledge and artistic expression.

Among the standout performers were Godfred Takyi Boateng, a Level 100 student, and Charity Tetteh, a Level 400 student, both from UCC. Their exceptional performances earned them the top spots in the university category, securing their places as Ghana’s representatives at the global finals in China. Godfred Takyi Boateng expressed his excitement, stating, “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 echoed this sentiment, adding, “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.”

Ambassador Tong Defa, a key figure in fostering Ghana-China relations, commended all the participants for their dedication and talent. He emphasized the opportunities that learning Chinese can unlock, stating, “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.” Ambassador Tong also highlighted the significance of 2026 as the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges,’ connecting the competition to broader efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and interpersonal connections. “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,” he noted, further expressing his appreciation for the Confucius Institute at UCC: “The teachers and volunteers here are doing an outstanding job in promoting Chinese language education. Their dedication is deeply appreciated.”

Prof. Denis Aheto, representing UCC, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to global academic integration and intercultural understanding. “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,” he stated. Prof. Aheto also announced plans to establish a new training center at UCC, a pioneering initiative in Ghana and West Africa, aimed at advancing language education and teacher capacity building. “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,” he affirmed.

Prof. Ou Yamei, another influential figure at the Confucius Institute, lauded the winners and encouraged broader student participation in future competitions. She emphasized the transformative opportunities awaiting the students in China, stating, “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.” Prof. Ou further noted, “Such exchanges will continue to deepen the friendship between Ghana and China, and we are excited about what the future holds.”

The Chinese Bridge Contest Ghana also recognized outstanding talent in the high school and basic school categories. Nana Akua Abakoma Amoako from KNUST JHS and Philip Don Amoah from UCC JHS emerged as winners in the high school category, while Mafaatihi Wunnam Alidu-Cotachi, Kwaku Henaku Otsin, and Michelle Nhyira Yeboah, all from UCC Basic School, secured the top positions in the basic school category. These young students will also have the opportunity to represent Ghana in China, further enriching their educational experiences.

The successful hosting of the Chinese Bridge Contest Ghana national finals underscores the growing enthusiasm for the Chinese language and culture among Ghanaian youth. The event served as a testament to the strengthening educational and diplomatic relations between Ghana and China, providing a vital platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. As more students embrace the opportunity to learn Chinese, the bond between Ghana and China is set to grow even stronger, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships. The Chinese Bridge Contest serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding, fostering a stronger bond between Ghana and China. Consider learning more about the Chinese Bridge Contest Ghana and how you can get involved.