A symbolic monument will be erected at the PWD triangle outside City Hall, making Accra the first city in a new worldwide network of memorials honoring victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
During his five-day trade mission to Africa, which aims to strengthen economic partnerships, cultural ties, and historical reconciliation, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Accra Mayor Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey visited the proposed memorial site on Thursday.
Speaking to media and dignitaries on the scene, Mayor Khan commended the Accra mayor’s vision and energy, calling him the city’s youngest mayor ever.
He emphasized the Ghanaian diaspora’s contribution to London’s cosmopolitan identity while pointing out the long-standing connections between the two capital cities.
“London and Accra are capital cities connected to each other; we in London have many, many Londoners, tens of thousands of Londoners, who are proud to be Londoners but also proud of their Ghanaian origin,” he stated.
Referring to the proposed memorial as a forum for introspection, education, and forward-thinking discussion, he emphasized the significance of translating a painful shared past into a future of solidarity and action.
“This commemoration here is really important. Yes, we have a legacy that is sometimes negative and shameful, but that should be a springboard for going forward with optimism,” he noted.
“I’m looking forward to us building a bridge between Londoners and the people of Accra,” Sir Khan said, expressing excitement about the two cities’ growing cooperation. A link between friendship and cooperation.
He expressed gratitude to Mayor Allotey for his kind hospitality and guidance, and he expressed the hope of “working closely” with him.
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the mayor of Accra, unveiled ambitious plans to bring the city’s growth into line with international patterns, such as bringing in electric buses from London in as little as two years.
Following the inspection, he informed reporters, “These electric buses will operate within the city, helping to reduce transport fares, minimize air pollution, and attract London-based businesses to invest in Accra, thereby boosting our business sector.”
He also disclosed plans to adopt a 24-hour economy modeled like the one in London.
“We will learn from their experience and implement improvements, such as fixing streetlights in markets to enhance security for traders and installing cameras to ensure people’s safety,” he stated
Based on a common history and a shared commitment to sustainable urban development, the visit represents a major step in renewing sister-city collaboration between Accra and London.
Source: newsthemegh.com