KIA immigration officers trained in Chinese to bridge language gap

Officers from the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have completed a 12-week Chinese language course.

This training aims to improve communication with Chinese travelers. The graduation ceremony took place in Accra and marked an important milestone.

Ghana's relations with China are growing in trade, tourism, and diplomacy. However, language barriers often hinder communication at the airport.

Regional Commander Edith Penelope Arhin emphasized the importance of this initiative. She noted that many Chinese officials visit Ghana, making it essential for officers to communicate effectively in Chinese.

While GIS officers learned multiple languages, they focused on Mandarin. This focus aims to enhance efficiency and service delivery at KIA.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana facilitated the program. Prof Wang Jin Min led the training and highlighted cultural understanding as a key component.

He stated that learning phrases was not enough; understanding culture is vital too. Just as Ghana values its traditions, officers learned about key aspects of Chinese culture.

Interestingly, the cultural exchange is mutual; the Confucius Institute also teaches Twi to Chinese students. This strengthens appreciation between both countries.

One officer shared that assisting Chinese travelers was challenging before this training. Now, he feels more capable of understanding and guiding them.

During the graduation ceremony, officers showcased their new skills by conversing in Mandarin. They demonstrated significant improvements in their communication abilities.

As Ghana’s global engagement expands, this initiative marks just the beginning of better interactions with international travelers.