A high-level Ghanaian delegation led by Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, presidential adviser for the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat of Ghana, visited Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) on Jan 19, where they were welcomed by Duan Peng, president of the university.
The delegation included Audrey Smock Amoah, director-general of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC); Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Creative Arts; and Eric Kofi Afornorpe, director of the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute.
The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BLCU, the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, and the Ghana Tourism Authority, establishing a formal framework for faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and the mutual establishment of research institutes.
During the meeting, Duan highlighted BLCU’s unique role as a global hub for international Chinese language education. He emphasized the university’s readiness to establish institutionalized mechanisms with Ghana to cultivate “Chinese language + technical skills” talents, protect linguistic resources, and promote tourism.
The president also vowed that BLCU will actively support the establishment of a China Institute at a leading Ghanaian university within the year, aiming to set a new benchmark for bilateral cultural exchange.
H.E. Tanoh highlighted the role of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat as a key platform for Ghana’s reform and transformation, aimed at revitalizing core sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. He emphasized that human capital development is central to this transformation, stating that “without language and culture as bridges, broader trade cooperation and lasting peaceful development remain elusive”.
The delegation expressed strong interest in BLCU’s digital literacy programs and the potential for youth exchange via the Hainan International College, viewing BLCU as a vital platform for building mutual trust.
Members of the delegation also identified specific areas for collaboration during the discussion. They emphasized using language as a strategic asset to build trust and facilitate expertise exchange and envisioned concrete projects in bilingual tourism, digital museums, and professional training. Notably, Amoah, director-general of NDPC discussed aligning BLCU’s talent cultivation with Ghana’s 2026-2029 National Plan, focusing on data-driven policy implementation and socio-economic development.
During their visit, the delegation experienced BLCU’s innovative “Chinese + Vocational Skills” curriculum. They observed a simulation on the “Ghana Cable Market Research and Decision Simulation,” where they provided real-world industry feedback to students. The group also met with Ghanaian students at BLCU, who pledged to act as “lifelong ambassadors” for bilateral ties.
The visit included a tea ceremony at the school’s tea house and an immersive traditional Chinese medicine culture experience at the BLCU University Hospital.
In a concluding interview, H.E. Tanoh reflected on the vital role of China-Africa relations in providing global stability. He emphasized that strengthening ties between youth is fundamental to long-term mutual respect and benefit. This visit reinforced a shared commitment to building a robust socio-cultural foundation, ensuring that the partnership between BLCU and Ghana continues to thrive through education, tourism and civilizational dialogue.
SOURCE: global.chinadaily.com.cn
