The Confucius Institute, KNUST Hosts Chinese New Year and Ambassador’s Scholarship Ceremony

The Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (CI–KNUST) celebrated the Chinese New Year alongside the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship Ceremony on Friday, 30 January 2026, at the Amonoo Neizer Conference Centre. Organized under the theme “Strengthening Friendship Through Support, Education, and Culture,” the event brought together university leadership, students, and distinguished guests to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence.

The indoor ceremony opened with prayers and welcome remarks from the Master of Ceremonies. Prof. Ke Ningli, Chinese Director of CI–KNUST, delivered the opening address, highlighting the significance of cultural diplomacy. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Philip Antwi-Agyei of the College of Science, emphasised the strong partnership between KNUST and its Chinese collaborators, expressing appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for its continued support of Ghanaian students. Goodwill messages were delivered by Mr. Yan Liquan, President of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce. Also present were Prof. Edmund Ekuadzi, Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar of the International Programmes Office, and Mrs. Evelyn Safowaa Asante, Principal Administrative Assistant at the IPO.

Prof. Zeng Fanlan later introduced the Chinese Spring Festival through an engaging presentation, after which Prof. Daniel Duah, Ghanaian Director of CI–KNUST, outlined the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship policy. Scholarships were awarded in categories such as Chinese Star, Superstar, and Cultural Ambassador. On behalf of the beneficiaries, Nana Akua Abakoma Amoako expressed heartfelt gratitude. The ceremony was further enlivened by a lucky draw, during which several participants received prizes.

The celebration proceeded with a variety of traditional Chinese cultural activities, including brush calligraphy, lacquer fan making, Hanfu costume photography, pitch-pot games, and shuttlecock kicking. The programme concluded with closing remarks and a prayer, after which participants moved outdoors to further partake in the festivities, thereby reinforcing the spirit of friendship and cultural cooperation between Ghana and China.