The newly appointed Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Ke Ningli, together with the new Chinese teachers of the Institute, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, at the Council Chamber on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The visit was to formally introduce the new Chinese Director and teaching staff to the Vice-Chancellor and to reaffirm the Confucius Institute’s commitment to strengthening Chinese language education, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration between KNUST and its Chinese partner university, Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT).
Professor Ke Ningli expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and described KNUST as a welcoming and conducive academic environment. He outlined plans to deepen cooperation in teaching, research, and innovation, with particular emphasis on New Energy research and capacity building. He disclosed that a funding application had successfully been submitted to the Chinese Government to support the establishment of a research laboratory focusing on engineering and new energy.
According to Professor Ningli, the proposed initiative aligns with global efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon footprints through science, technology, and innovation.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between KNUST and its Chinese partners, describing it as impactful and mutually beneficial. She reiterated KNUST’s commitment to result-oriented partnerships that enhance teaching, research, and service to humanity.
 The Vice-Chancellor assured the Confucius Institute team of the University’s full support, including the provision of space and the necessary institutional backing to ensure the effective implementation of proposed initiatives. She emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue in resolving challenges and sustaining institutional growth.
Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah, the Ghanaian Director of the Confucius Institute and Head of the Department of Architecture, also indicated plans to engage the College of Engineering and College of Humanities and Social Sciences and other academic units at KNUST to expand joint teaching, research, and innovation activities across disciplines.
Present at the meeting were Prof. Edmund Ekuadzi, Dean of the International Programmes Office; Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, Deputy Registrar, University Relations Office; Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar; Mrs. Evelyn Safowaa Asante; Ms. Ernestine Oheneba Danso; and Miss. Patricia Frimpong Manso, all from the International Programmes Office.
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