The Coordinating Director of the Foreign Service Institute (Ghana), Ambassador Perpetua Dufu, has underscored language as one of the most powerful instruments in diplomacy, highlighting the crucial role linguistic competence plays in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
She made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Chinese Language Programme, held on March 12, 2025, under the auspices of the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana.
According to Ambassador Dufu, the programme forms part of the Institute’s broader mandate to strengthen cross-cultural communication among public officials. She noted that language serves as a bridge not only between cultures but also between people, playing an essential role in diplomacy, international negotiations, and multilateral cooperation across sectors.
She added that linguistic skills equip diplomats and public servants with the ability to engage effectively with international partners, facilitate dialogue, and deepen understanding in complex global engagements.
Although the Chief Director of the Ministry, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, was unable to attend the ceremony, a statement delivered on her behalf emphasized that linguistic competence enhances effective communication and strengthens cultural understanding, qualities that are indispensable in diplomacy and international relations.
The Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ghana, Mr. Wenfu Li, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute for their continued support for Chinese language education in Ghana. He noted that learning the Chinese language serves as an important bridge for cultural exchange and further strengthens the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Ghana and China.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, Professor Liu Baijun; the Secretary-General of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, Mr. Stephen Shum; the President of the Ghana-China Chamber of Commerce; and senior directors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chinese Language Programme is designed to equip Ghanaian public officials with foundational Mandarin language skills and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, thereby enhancing Ghana’s diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation with China. Officials say the initiative forms part of broader capacity-building efforts aimed at preparing Ghanaian diplomats and civil servants for increasingly complex global interactions.
The programme typically runs over several months and combines classroom instruction in Mandarin with lessons on Chinese culture, diplomacy, and communication practices. Participants are drawn from various ministries, departments, and agencies within Ghana’s public service, reflecting the growing importance of China–Ghana relations in trade, education, and international cooperation.
During the ceremony, graduands, comprising public officials from various government institutions, demonstrated their newly acquired Chinese language skills through performances and presentations. Awards were also presented to outstanding participants in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.
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