By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, Sept. 30, GNA – A German Language Centre has been opened at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) to equip young people with basic knowledge in the German language and prepare them for opportunities in education, industry, research, innovation, and other skilled training to strengthen Germany-Ghana relations.
The Centre was opened as part of the 2026 German Day Celebration on the theme: “Strengthening Ghana–Germany Partnerships for Youth Innovation and Cultural Exchange.”
It was established through a partnership between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), and TTU among other partners, and facilitated by the Social Entrepreneurship Hub.
Reverend Professor John Frank Eshun, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of TTU, noted that the Centre marked an important milestone in the University’s commitment to preparing its young people not only with technical skills, but also with the language, cultural awareness, and global competencies needed to succeed in an interconnected world.
According to him, it would become a major hub for German language and cultural studies in the Western Region, while opening pathways for students, graduates, and professionals to pursue further education, training, internships and employment opportunities in Germany.
He stated that Germany had a strong tradition in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Applied Research, Engineering and Industry, noting that these were areas that strongly aligned with the mission and aspirations of the Takoradi Technical University.
The Centre, therefore, presents significant opportunities for the University to collaborate with Germany in TVET, Research, Technology transfer, Entrepreneurship, Industry and Partnerships as well as staff and student mobility.
Prof Eshun said: “Our ambition, however, goes beyond classroom language instruction. We want to develop the capacity of our lecturers and instructors through faculty training, academic exchanges and partnerships with German universities and relevant institutions”.
“We also see strong potential for expanding student mobility and scholarship opportunities, including pathways linked to DAAD, Erasmus+ and bilateral exchanges. Such opportunities can expose our students to international learning environments, while strengthening academic and professional networks between Ghana and Germany.”
The TTU VC called for stronger partnerships and support from institutions such as the German Embassy, DAAD, GIZ, German universities and companies operating in Ghana, as well as public-private partnerships to contribute significantly to the growth of the Centre.
Prof Eshun encouraged students and alumni to take advantage of the Centre and learn the German language, saying; “Embrace the culture, build relationships, think globally and innovate boldly, because the world of work is increasingly international, and your ability to communicate and collaborate across cultures will be one of your greatest strengths.”
Mr Frederik Landshöft, the German Ambassador to Ghana, said the demand for learning the German language in Ghana was growing rapidly, and that the establishment of the Centre was to bring this service closer to the doorstep of the people of Sekondi-Takoradi and the Western Region in general.
“Opportunities should not be cantered in Accra, that is why I am particularly pleased that this Centre is being established here at the Takoradi Technical University, and the ambition reaches beyond this campus because the Centre is designed to serve a purpose”
He stated that there were growing interests in deepening Ghana-German relations through investments, business opportunities, studies, trade, and work, however, language had become a major bottleneck in fully unlocking that potential.
Mr Landshöft said the Centre would, therefore, serve as a bridge to equip young people with the language skills needed to enhance regular and safe mobility across the two countries.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, lauded the initiative and said the Centre would serve as a bridge to culture, knowledge, opportunity, and partnerships among Germans and Ghanaians.
GNA
30 September 2026
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Bertha Badu-Agyei/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]