China-Ghana Graduates Association launched

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Sun Baohong has officially inaugurated the China-Ghana Graduates Association (CGGA) with a call on Ghanaian students’ studying in China to return home to become the country’s economic backbone.

Their return will help in promoting Ghana’s social development, and China – Ghana economic and trade cooperation as well as to help transform the economic and social – political stature of the two countries.

She was speaking at the ceremony that brought together a number of youth within the country, potential students, past students among others. The Association is committed to creating a common educational and cultural platform for the training of individuals of both countries and the sharing of knowledge and positive values that would impact society.

Ambassador Baohong said: “Ghanaians should learn from Chinese people with the attributes of love for the country, accountability, sacrifice, maintenance culture, tourism and cherish locally produced goods which will help shape Ghana to a better pedestal.”

She indicated that the Chinese government has granted scholarship opportunities to more than 500 Ghanaian nationals studying in China.

“The number of self-supporting Ghanaian students’ pursuing various career choices has been extended to 4,600 with an overwhelming number of Ghanaian graduates return to Ghana well advanced in their study in China.

“Ghanaian graduates studying in China are area group of elites in Ghana who have wide knowledge and deep understanding of China should endeavor to let Ghanaians understand the real China.

“They become emotionally bonds of China traditional friendship and the rich resources of China- Ghana people – to- people while providing inexhaustible intellectual support for the social and economic development of Ghana. 

“Ghanaians with clear mind, strong language background and adaptability culture makes Ghanaian students oversea brilliant with outstanding performances amongst students in China,” she said.

She added: “Ghanaians should uphold to the strong belief of another’s good quality or suggestion whereby one can cure defects and sincerely hoping that Ghana would learn the successful experience of China.

She said although the Association is young, its presence will serve as a catalyst in advancing the traditional friendship and cooperation in various fields between China and Ghana.

The Association, she said needs the support of governments of both countries to encourage the successful academic and career progression of China Ghanaian graduates.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye urged the youth to incorporate the spirit of selfless volunteerism in other to contribute to the development of the country, adding that there was a need to advocate for change in the mental setup of young people to appreciate the spirit of sacrifice in order to build a better future.

He said the relationship between Ghana and China has gone beyond trade and commerce and that it was important for nationals of both countries to come together to advance a new trend of friendship which includes the appreciation of cultural and traditional values.

He therefore called for a rigorous change in mental attitude needed to reform and re-orient the youth to fight for what is desirable and right for the country.

The President of CGGA, Mr. Charles Mawuenyega said there is the need for active collaboration between Chinese stakeholders and relevant Ghanaian governmental organisations and established associations to deepen the already cordial relations between the two nations.

He explained that the CGGA will seek to promote a network of Chinese and Ghanaian graduates and interested individuals who are committed to promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between China and Ghana in particular and the African continent in general.

“Ghanaian students to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism by working with local people and grass-root organisations,” he remarked.