On April 16, 2019, His Excellency Mr Shi Ting Wang, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, gave a public lecture at the School of Medical Science (SMS) Auditorium at the University of Cape Coast between the hours of 2: 30 pm to 4: 30 pm.
Professor Johnson Nyanko Boampong, Provost for the College of Health and Allied Sciences was the Chairman for the occasion. Other important dignitaries who were also invited were Prof. F. E. Amuquandoh (Provost for the College of Humanities and Legal Studies ), Dean of the faculty of Arts, Board Directors and Members of Confucius Institute. Deans of the University of Cape Coast were also invited for the occasion. Cape Coast Technical University, University Primary School, Mfantsipim students and students of the University of Cape Coast were also there to grace the occasion.
The Chairman, Professor Johnson Nyanko Boampong, gave an opening speech and said the two countries have known each other for a long time since Ghana’s independence so there is a strong relationship between the two countries.
In His Excellency Mr Shi ting Wang’s speech, he said he was pleased to visit the University of Cape Coast. He pointed out that China is a country with over 5000 years of history, but before the revolution, there were many dynasties which later became the People’s Republic of China. 50 years ago, China was very poor, but through hard work and dedication, China is popular not only in Ghana but many other countries around the world. He emphasized we should learn from each other but should not copy from other countries system of governing. He made mention that, China has also made progress in the rule of law. In his lecture, he said China emerged as a pillar of stability in a turbulent world, and that every country is equal, stressing that no country should control the other.
In 1961 – Chairman Mao, the then Premier of China, visited Ghana and established a close relationship between the two countries and this has yielded a fruitful result. The economy and trade cooperation between the two countries have developed steadily. Currently, the total investment volume has reached $1.6 billion and it has benefited the Ghanaian community very much. He gave an example of Ghanaians importing tiles from China and other countries but due to China’s investment in Ghana, there are currently 3 big ceramic companies in Ghana that produce tiles for the people and export some to other neighbouring countries. All the resources used for production are tapped from Ghana. The Ghanaian working forces in these companies are 95%.
His Excellency Mr Shi Ting Wang also encouraged students to come to the Confucius Institute to learn the Chinese language and get more opportunity for employment in Chinese firms in the country. In his final speech, he said China will remain open to the outside world.
