On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Ghanaian and Chinese Directors of the Confucius Institute (CI) at KNUST, Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah and Professor Ke Ningji, accompanied by volunteer teacher Mr. Liu Yang, paid a courtesy call on the Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), Professor Edmund Ekuadzi.
During the meeting, Professor Duah outlined the progress of the CI since its inauguration on December 19, 2023, noting that the Institute operates under a tripartite agreement involving Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF), Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT).
He formally introduced Professor Ke as the new Chinese Director and informed the Dean of the arrival of three new teachers who will support the Institute’s expanding academic and cultural activities.
Professor Duah further mentioned that the CI now manages five teaching centres - KNUST SHS, KNUST Basic School, Hilltop International School, Kumasi Technical University, and Boakra M/A Basic School and is exploring the establishment of a new centre at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa. He also highlighted ongoing preparations for the Institute’s third anniversary and shared a vision to broaden the CI’s focus beyond language and culture to include science, technology, and innovation-driven initiatives.
In response, Professor Ekuadzi warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the importance of expanding CI activities to align with KNUST’s priorities in research, technology, renewable energy, and automotive engineering. He highlighted opportunities for industry collaboration, including partnerships that could introduce electric vehicles (EVs) to KNUST for training and assembly experience for students. He also encouraged the development of Chinese language training for Ghanaian traders who frequently engage in business in China.
The Dean additionally suggested introducing social and wellness programmes such as dance clubs and martial arts activities to enrich student life and support mental well-being.
Also present at the meeting were Professor (Mrs.) Augustina Angelina Sylverken, Vice Dean; Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar; Mrs. Evelyn Safowaa Asante, Senior Administrative Assistant and liaison to the Confucius Institute; and Miss. Patricia Frimpong Manso, Visibility and Communication Officer.
