An agreement on building a China-Ghana ophthalmology and optometry center in Tamale Metropolitan Area, capital of the Northern Region of Ghana, was inked at Wenzhou Medical University (WMU) in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province on July 17.

According to the agreement, the center, to be jointly constructed by WMU and Ghana's Tamale Teaching Hospital, will combine the functions of medical treatment, clinical research and scientific studies and help the two sides conduct wide exchanges and cooperation in ophthalmology and optometry.

As part of the agreement, WMU in the future will build up a professional team of 20 to 25 people who will provide training courses for Ghanaian eye doctors and assist Ghanaian universities in establishing ophthalmology and optometry disciplines, to ensure the sustainable development of the center.

Charles Dwamena, deputy ambassador of Ghana to China and also a graduate of WMU, acted as the go-between for the partnership.

"Among 7,000 Ghanaian students who study abroad, many choose to study in WMU for its superior ophthalmology and optometry," said Dwamena, "I think setting up a joint center is good for both China and Ghana."

Ghana is one of the fastest growing countries in West Africa and an important link in China's Belt and Road Initiative. WMU started to recruit students from Ghana in 2006 and over the past 12 years, there have been 65 Ghanaian graduates.

Charles Dwamena, deputy ambassador of Ghana to China, is a graduate from Wenzhou Medical University and acts as a go-between for the building of a joint ophthalmology and optometry center. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]