The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has received a 30-member delegation from Columbus, Ohio, led by former Mayor Michael B. Coleman, as part of attempts to strengthen the long-standing sister city relationship between Accra and Columbus.
The visit, which was part of ongoing cultural and educational exchanges between the two cities, brought together Columbus-based artists, educators, and investors to meet with Accra Metropolitan Assembly leaders and other stakeholders.
Mayor Allotey welcomed the delegation, thanking them for honouring the partnership and reaffirming the city’s commitment to expanding the friendship between Accra and Columbus.
He offered the delegation of the Assembly’s complete support throughout their tour and said it was a significant step in maintaining the goal set by earlier administrations.
Mayor Allotey highlighted that the municipal administration was still willing to back projects that would strengthen links between the two cities and enable significant interactions between their institutions and residents.
Speaking to the audience, the former mayor of Columbus recalled the momentous occasion in 2015 when the two towns’ leaders signed the Sister towns Agreement in Columbus, characterising it as a significant pledge between the people of Accra and Columbus.
He clarified that the pact represented a shared commitment to cooperation between the two cities across the Atlantic and represented a long-lasting friendship that transcends geographic distance.
He emphasised that the relationship with Accra marked a reunion with the cultural and historical roots of many African-Americans and claimed that the collaboration had since grown to be one of the most significant international ties for the city of Columbus.
According to Mr. Coleman, the delegation’s visit was more than just ceremonial; it showcased the finest members of Columbus’s artistic and cultural community, including photographers, academics, and artists who were excited to interact with their Accra counterparts.
He went on to say that Columbus’s civic, cultural, and economic development depends heavily on the arts and culture, and he was eager to share that experience with Accra while also benefiting from Ghana’s rich cultural legacy.
Hon. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, a former mayor of Accra who was instrumental in establishing the sister city relationship, welcomed the delegation and discussed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two cities on November 15, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio.
He said that Accra and Columbus had intended for the pact to be a lifelong relationship, and he was pleased that both cities had stuck to the original plan.
Additionally in attendance were the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Hon. Alfred Ashie Kotey, and the Member of Parliament for the Ododiodioo Constituency, Hon. Allotey-Gaisie, Alfred Ato.
Source: newsthemegh.com