Chinese Bridge contest at UCC promotes language and culture

The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) has hosted the 2025 edition of the Chinese Bridge competition, aimed at promoting Chinese language learning among Ghanaian youth and children.

The cultural and language event, held on the UCC campus, brought together a vibrant mix of students from primary, junior high, senior high, and tertiary institutions, underscoring Ghana’s growing interest in international language education and cross-cultural exchange.

Participants travelled from across the country, including the Central, Ashanti, and Greater Accra regions, to showcase their talents and proficiency in the Chinese language.

Schools represented included Nouvel Community Academy, Happy Heart School, Cornerstone International School, University Junior High School, University Primary School (UCC), St. Nicholas Basic School, St. Monica’s Basic School, Wested International School (UCC), the University of Ghana, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Senior high schools such as Ghana National College, Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, and Aburaman Senior High School were also present to observe the event.

The competition featured an impressive array of performances including Chinese tongue twisters, voice dubbing, martial arts, and traditional and modern Chinese songs and dances. These performances demonstrated not only linguistic skills but also a deep appreciation of Chinese culture.

In the primary category, Mafaatihi Wunnam Alidu-Cotachi of UCC Primary School won the top prize, with Kwaku Henaku Otsin, also from UCC Primary, as first runner-up. In the junior high category, Nana Akua Abakoma Amoako from KNUST Junior High School took first place, followed by Philip Don Amoah of UCC Junior High School. At the tertiary level, Godfred Takyi Boateng from UCC emerged winner, while Charity Tetteh, also of UCC, was first runner-up.

To reward their efforts, winners in each category received 64-inch television sets. First runners-up were awarded air conditioners, second runners-up received mobile phones, and third-place contestants took home tablets.

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

He emphasised the power 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 commended all participants and encouraged them to remain committed to learning the language, highlighting its role in fostering international relationships.

Also present was the Director of the Confucius Institute Ghana, Professor Amo Ofori, who described the Institute not merely as a language centre but a cultural bridge connecting Ghana and China. He highlighted the role of language immersion activities such as calligraphy, poetry, and festivals in deepening mutual understanding between the two nations. He praised students as ambassadors of cross-cultural learning.