The staff of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), as well as officials of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, led by the Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Lu Kun, has visited Elmina Castle in the Central Region and the Kakum National Park to boost domestic tourism.
The move by the Chinese nationals formed part of the Ghana Tourism Authority's ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ campaign.
The tour guide, Mr. Benjamin Amoah addressing the ambassador and other members of his entourage in a dungeon at the Emina Castle
At Elmina Castle, the Chinese learnt about the different powers that fought over the occupation of the land of Elmina for centuries. They toured the dungeons that were used to hold slaves before being shipped overseas, the governor’s residence, and tunnels among others.
The visitors also had insight into the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the Door of No Return and the Door of Return and the role the castle played in the propagation of Christianity in Ghana.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Lu Kun signing the visitors’ book at the Elmina Castle
Benjamin Amoah, a tour guide at Elmina Castle, also noted that visiting the castle offers a chance to appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship that has survived for over five centuries.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana also signed the Visitors’ Book at the Elmina Castle.
His Excellency Lu Kun in a photo with officials of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana and staff of the Confucius Institute-UCC
At Kakum National Park, Mr Samuel Dunkwa, Assistant Wildlife Officer with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, revealed that currently, Kakum National Park has diverse plant and animal species, with more than 100 mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
According to him, the park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as the canopy walkway, nature walks, treehouse camping, and watching butterflies.
Officials of the Chinese Embassy and staff of the Confucius Institute-UCC
Finally, the team made a stop at the premises of the Confucius Institute, where the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong and other university officials received them.
His Excellency Mr. Lu Kun expressed gratitude to the University for the warm hospitality and urged Ghanaian students to make an effort to learn the Chinese language, noting that it opened doors to high-ranked Chinese universities and employment opportunities with Chinese companies in Ghana.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong and the Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Lu Kun
He said China will continue to strengthen the bilateral and trade relationship with Ghana, adding that China has been a major trading partner for Ghana over the years yielding fruitful results and a win-win situation for both parties.
He said China welcomed talented Ghanaian students to study in Chinese universities, experience China's development, learn Chinese culture and make Chinese friends.
He said the Embassy would continue to support the academic pursuit of Ghanaian students in China.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC