The Confucius Institute on Wednesday marked three years of its operations at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The Institute was established and officially inaugurated on May 22, 2013, at the university but became fully operational a year later.

The colorful ceremony was spiced with performances on Chinese dance and exhibition of Chinese culture by Ghanaian students.

From a modest beginning, the institute has grown to become a national asset extending its operations beyond the University of Ghana by setting up six teaching sites of schools and institutes, offering Chinese courses to nearly 2,500 Ghanaian students.

It has also set up the only HSK Chinese proficiency center in Ghana which makes it possible for Ghanaians to gain scholarships to study in China.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Samuel Kwame Offei, commended the Confucius institute for its role in bridging the language gap between China and Ghana.

"It is becoming a very beneficial institute and we hope that they will be able to expand their activities beyond language and culture into other areas," he said.

The Political Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Jiang Zhouteng, said the Confucius institute had served as a bridge to connect Chinese and Ghanaian peoples for better mutual understanding through its programs.

"I have been posted in Ghana for nearly one year and it is my strong feeling that this Confucius institute plays active role in promoting cultural and people to people exchanges between China and Ghana," said Jiang.

Some parents, school authorities and students highly praised the Confucius institute for its work at the University of Ghana.

The Institute presented certificates to organizations for their massive support during the period.