CIUCC

17/08/2026

CIUCC Successfully Holds 2026 Second YCT Examination
The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) successfully held its second Youth Chinese Test (YCT) examination of 2026 on August 16, 2026. The examination offered YCT Levels 1 to 4, with a total of 73 candidatesparticipating.
The examination was organized in accordance with the requirements of the Chinese Language Examination Management Manual and the Chinese Language Examination Test Center Management Manual. The examination rooms were properly arranged, procedures were strictly followed, and the examination was conducted in an orderly manner.
To adequately prepare candidates for the examination, CIUCC utilized the vacation period to organize systematic pre-examination training for students from its various teaching centers. The training familiarized students with the examination format, strengthened their test-taking skills, and helped improve their overall Chinese language proficiency.
The YCT serves as an important platform for assessing Chinese language learning outcomes. Beyond providing students with a sense of achievement and motivating their continued interest in Chinese, the examination also enables CIUCC to evaluate teaching outcomes across its teaching centers and provides valuable insights for improving future instruction.
The successful organization of the examination further strengthened Chinese language education cooperation between CIUCC and local primary and secondary schools, as well as the partnership between Hunan City University and the University of Cape Coast. CIUCC will continue to utilize Chinese proficiency examinations to enhance classroom instruction and improve the quality of Chinese language education, contributing to deeper people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Ghana.

05/08/2026

CIUCC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Marigold Smart Academy to Launch Chinese Language Programme
Following a series of field visits and extensive consultations, the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marigold Smart Academy in Agona Swedru, Central Region, on 3 August 2026 to introduce Chinese language education and strengthen cultural exchange between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony was attended by the China Director of CIUCC, Prof. Zang Yonghong, and the Ghana Director, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori. Representing Marigold Smart Academy were the School Administrator, Mr. Richard Kofi, and the Assistant Headmistress, Mrs. Linda Appiah Turkson, who signed the agreement on behalf of the school.
Speaking at the ceremony, the representatives of Marigold Smart Academy expressed their sincere appreciation to CIUCC for selecting their school as a partner for Chinese language education. They pledged to faithfully implement the provisions of the MoU and work closely with the Institute to ensure the successful delivery of Chinese language teaching.
In her remarks, Prof. Zang introduced the history and development of the Confucius Institute, which was jointly established by Hunan City University and the University of Cape Coast. She highlighted the Institute's mission of promoting Chinese language and culture in Ghana and reviewed its achievements over the years.
Prof. Zang also shared a major milestone in Chinese language education in Ghana. She noted that CIUCC, in collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), has successfully developed Ghana's first national Chinese language curriculum for basic schools, laying the foundation for the inclusion of Chinese in the country's national education system. She announced that Chinese language classes at Marigold Smart Academy will officially commence in September 2026, making the school one of the first pilot institutions in Ghana to implement the newly developed national Chinese curriculum.
Founded in 2010 by Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, former Central Regional Minister, Marigold Smart Academy is committed to nurturing confident, disciplined, innovative, and socially responsible students. The school has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence and holistic education.
Mrs. Assan is widely recognised as a longstanding friend of China who has consistently promoted Chinese language and culture in Ghana. Over the years, she has actively supported the introduction of Chinese language education in Ghanaian schools and has participated in numerous cultural activities organised by CIUCC, making significant contributions to the Institute's growth and development.
The partnership marks another important step in expanding Chinese language education in Ghana and further strengthens educational and cultural cooperation between CIUCC and local educational institutions.

31/07/2026

CIUCC Teachers Attend Chinese People's Liberation Army Anniversary Reception
On July 27, at the invitation of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ghana, teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) attended a reception in Accra marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
During the event, the teachers listened to remarks by the Chinese Ambassador and Defence Attaché, gaining a deeper understanding of China's national defence development, its commitment to world peace, and the growing cooperation between China and Ghana. They also watched a documentary showcasing the achievements of the PLA.
The invitation reflected the Chinese Embassy's continued support for CIUCC and provided teachers with a valuable opportunity to appreciate the role of cultural and educational exchanges in strengthening China–Ghana friendship. CIUCC remains committed to promoting Chinese language education and fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.

20/07/2026

CIUCC Successfully Conducts Second 2026 HSK Chinese Proficiency Test
On July 18, 2026, the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) successfully conducted its second HSK Chinese Proficiency Test of the year.
To improve access to the examination, CIUCC established a new off-campus test center at West End International School in Kasoa, making it more convenient for Chinese language learners in the area to take the test.
Ahead of the examination, the Institute organized comprehensive training for invigilators to ensure the smooth and standardized administration of the tests across both venues.
CIUCC remains committed to promoting the integration of teaching and assessment by using HSK examinations to enhance Chinese language teaching, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen educational and cultural exchanges between Ghana and China.

02/07/2026

CIUCC Holds Chinese Bridge Award Ceremony for Regional Qualifiers
The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) held a Chinese Bridge Award Ceremony to recognize students who qualified for the regional stage of the 2026 Chinese Bridge Competition.
The event brought together faculty leaders, head teachers, guests, teachers, and students to celebrate the achievements of the participants. Distinguished attendees included the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Daniel Agyapong; Registrar of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey; Prof. Kwabena Sarfo-Kantankah, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; and the Ghana and China Director of CIUCC.
In her address, Prof. Zang Yonghong, China Director of CIUCC, highlighted some of the institute’s major achievements, including its success in the Chinese Bridge Competition at various levels and its contribution to the development of Ghana’s national Chinese language curriculum.
Speaking on behalf of the Winged Height Creative Art Academy, the head, Natasha Baiden, noted that learning Chinese is more than memorizing characters and mastering tones; it is an investment in oneself, a pathway to broader horizons, and a bridge connecting people across cultures.
Mr. Yu, the instructor of the competition's first- and second-place winners at the university level, both of whom will be representing Ghana in China, shared insights into the rigorous training and preparation that contributed to their success. He praised the awardees for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout the competition process.
In his remarks, Prof. Safo emphasized the numerous opportunities that proficiency in Chinese can offer and encouraged students to make the most of these opportunities.
The Ghana Director, Prof. Amo Ofori thanked the University leadership, faculty, teachers, parents, and students for their support of the Chinese Bridge Competition. He commended the participants for their dedication and highlighted the competition's role in promoting cultural exchange and China–Ghana friendship.
The ceremony featured impressive cultural performances by the award recipients, who were presented with certificates and prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance. The event concluded with words of encouragement from the institute’s leadership, who expressed confidence in the students as they prepare to represent Ghana in China.

24/06/2026

Confucius Institute Holds Student–Staff Consultative Meeting
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast organized a student - staff consultative meeting at the Confucius Classroom. The meeting was attended by the China Director, Prof. Zang Yonghong, the Ghana Director, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori; teachers, staff members, B.A. Chinese students, and language students of the Institute.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori explained that the purpose of the meeting was to provide students with an opportunity to share their views, concerns, and experiences regarding the challenges they encounter in learning the Chinese language. He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to creating a supportive learning environment and addressing students’ academic needs.
Ms. Anastasia Emefa Awudzah, the Examination Officer, addressed a number of academic issues, with particular focus on examinations and assessment procedures. During the interactive session, students raised questions and sought clarification on courses, class schedules, and internship opportunities. The discussions provided valuable feedback and helped foster greater understanding between students and Institute management.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Zang Yonghong reflected on her experience teaching her first cohort of Ghanaian students and expressed her pride in the progress made by learners over the years. She encouraged students to practice speaking Chinese more frequently and confidently, reminding them not to be discouraged by grammatical mistakes. She stressed that making errors is a natural part of language learning and urged students to seize every opportunity to communicate in Chinese.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the Institute’s leadership and staff.

14/06/2026

CIUCC Participates in National Chinese Curriculum Development Workshop
From May to June 2026, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) organized a curriculum review workshop in Ho, Volta Region, to revise Ghana’s Kindergarten and Primary School curricula as part of the country’s ongoing education reform.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) was invited to participate in the development of the national Chinese language curriculum. An expert team comprising Chinese teachers Yu Zhen, Charles Delali Adegah and Anastasia Emefa Awudzah , together with representatives of teaching centers, coordinators, was responsible for drafting the primary school Chinese curriculum under the guidance of the Institute’s China and Ghana Directors.
Throughout the workshop, the CIUCC team worked closely with stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, the West African Examinations Council, and curriculum experts to ensure the curriculum aligns with Ghana’s educational goals, cultural context, and students’ learning needs.
The workshop marks an important milestone in integrating Chinese language education into Ghana’s national education system. It also reflects the growing educational and cultural cooperation between Ghana and China, creating new opportunities for Ghanaian students to learn Chinese, engage with Chinese culture, and develop global competencies.

30/05/2026

Congratulations to our outstanding Chinese students!
On May 28, four students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC); Godfred Takyi Boateng, Bertha Asiedua Boadu , Afrakoma Akosua K**i, and Raphael Koomson were awarded at the UCC Dean’s Awards Ceremony for their excellent academic performance and dedication to Chinese language studies.

30/05/2026

16/01/2026

CIUCC Visits Confucius Institute at KNUST to Strengthen Cooperation and Advance China–Africa People-to-People Exchanges
On January 16, a delegation led by the China and Ghana Directors of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) paid a visit to the Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The delegation was warmly received by the management and staff of the KNUST Confucius Institute. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on improving the quality of Chinese language education and jointly developing programmes, reaching broad consensus on deepening cooperation.
During the meeting, Prof. Ofori, the Ghana Director of CIUCC, formally introduced Prof. Zang Yonghong, the newly appointed China Director of CIUCC. The two Confucius Institutes shared updates on faculty development, levels of programme delivery, and institutional positioning. They also reviewed their previous collaboration in jointly developing the National Chinese language Curriculum , agreeing to further promote its implementation in classroom teaching and translate it into concrete outcomes.
Discussions focused on strengthening the foundations of Chinese language education and advancing the development of “Chinese +” quality programmes. Both sides agreed to further optimise curriculum systems, align programmes with Ghana’s local needs and university disciplinary strengths, expand interdisciplinary and integrated projects, and cultivate more versatile and application-oriented talents.
It was also announced that the 2026 Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition in Ghana will be hosted by KNUST. The two Confucius Institutes will work closely together in areas such as competition preparation and organisation.
This visit further consolidated comprehensive cooperation between the two Confucius Institutes. Taking the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges as an opportunity, both sides will integrate resources, deepen multi-field collaboration, build bridges for China–Ghana cultural and people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and contribute the strength of Confucius Institutes in Ghana to China–Africa cooperation.