China-Ghana youth deepen collaboration at cultural exchange workshop
A cultural exchange workshop aimed at strengthening ties between Chinese and Ghanaian youth in infrastructure development has been held in Accra, with a focus on technology transfer, skills development and community impact.
The workshop also provided a platform for young professionals from both countries to share their experiences, exchange ideas and reflect on their contributions to national development.
Organised by China Railway No. 5 Engineering Ghana Limited (CR5), the event showcased the company’s construction capacity and a deeper understanding between local communities and project stakeholders.
It was held on the theme: “Ghana Infrastructure Stories from the Perspectives of China–Ghana Youth,” and attended by engineers, technicians, traditional leaders, the media and industry players.
Demonstrations
At the event, a demonstration of a live drone survey was done, as well as a precast 40-meter T-beam installation video shown, which is part of the technologies adopted in construction.
The CR5’s technological breakthroughs were across six major fields, including heavy beam launching technology, smart beam yard technology, steel cofferdam technology, the form traveller method and UAV surveying technology.
There was also a safety demonstration comparing the impact of falling objects on protected and unprotected heads, to stress the importance of personal protective equipment, such as helmets, in construction work.
Awards and gifts were presented to outstanding employees in recognition of their dedication and performance.
The awards were jointly presented by company leaders and external partners.
People-to-people exchanges
Addressing participants at the meeting, the Deputy Managing Director of the company, Chen Zhen, said the workshop was timely as China had designated the year 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at strengthening friendship, promoting mutual learning and advancing shared development goals between China and African countries.
“Today’s workshop is not merely an exchange on projects and technologies, but a sincere dialogue between people, a moment of cultural connection and mutual understanding,” he said.
Mr Zhen said infrastructural development went beyond physical structures, saying that roads, bridges and other projects symbolised shared aspirations and cooperation between Ghanaian and Chinese partners.
He expressed the company’s commitment to local development, stating that its operations had created thousands of jobs, supported community projects and facilitated the transfer of technical skills to Ghanaian workers.
“Youth symbolises the future and cooperation nurtures hope. We will continue to nurture local talents and contribute high-quality solutions to Ghana’s infrastructure development,” Mr Zhen added.
Strong relationship
A manager of one of the local construction companies, Ernest Hammond, commended the strong relationship between his company and CR5, describing it as professional and mutually beneficial.
He said the collaboration had provided significant learning opportunities, particularly in the areas of technology and work ethics.
He said technology transfer was a critical component of the partnership, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Shared experiences
Mentors and proteges at a cultural exchange workshop expressed their gratitude to CR5 for the opportunity to interact, learn and share experiences across cultures.
A Ghanaian trainee, who is a laboratory technician, Eric Ampadu Ntiamoah, promised to put into practice what he had learnt and commit to contributing to laboratory work.
His mentor, Master Zhang Zeyun, a material engineer, praised Eric for his responsible work ethic and quick learning abilities, adding that Eric could now handle daily laboratory testing independently.
Also, a staff member of CR5, Benedict Anane, who mentored Wang Suan, an engineer with CR5, commended her willingness to learn the nuances of the English language and communication, stating that he equally learned from her discipline, dedication and respect for teamwork.
For her part, Ms Wang said she had learnt the importance of greeting people properly, speaking respectfully, and understanding different communication styles.
A Commercial Engineer at the company, Zhou Ke, said many Ghanaian workers had progressed from general labourers to skilled machine operators through hands-on training and mentorship.
The partnership had made significant contributions to community development, citing the construction of water reservoirs during a project in Wa, which supported engineering work and provided long-term water solutions for nearby communities and agriculture.
