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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Mexican Embassy in Ghana have initiated steps to strengthen their existing sister-city relationship with Guadalajara while exploring broader bilateral cooperation between Accra and Mexican cities.
This followed a courtesy call by the Mexican Ambassador to Ghana on the Mayor of Accra, during which discussions focused on enhancing city-to-city partnerships, cultural exchanges, and knowledge sharing in key areas of urban development.
The Ambassador,H. E. Norma Ang Sánchez, in her opening remarks, explained that strengthening Africa–Mexico relations remained a key priority for the embassy, particularly through collaboration with local and city authorities.
She pointed out that the embassy had two main objectives: deepening institutional relations with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and promoting cooperation between cities in both countries.
According to her, the existing sister city relationship between Accra and Guadalajara, established about three years ago, had not seen much engagement, and his visit was aimed at revitalising that partnership.
The Ambassador described Guadalajara as one of Mexico’s most important cities and a host city for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, adding that it shared similarities with Accra in terms of urban dynamics.
She proposed expanding cooperation to include other Mexican cities, including Mexico City, which she noted had a metropolitan population of about 20 million and faced comparable urban challenges.
She emphasised the importance of developing a structured working plan between the embassy and the Assembly, indicating that such collaboration could include cultural programmes and other mutually beneficial initiatives.
She also extended an invitation to the Mayor and his team to visit Mexico to gain first-hand experience of urban management systems in cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Mayor of Accra, Hon Michael Kpakpo Allotey, welcomed the proposal and expressed the Assembly’s readiness to strengthen the sister city relationship with Guadalajara while expanding partnerships with other Mexican cities.
He stated that the Assembly was open to facilitating exchange programmes that would allow officials and residents from Accra to visit Mexican cities to learn from their experiences while also hosting delegations from Mexico.
The Mayor noted that as the city’s first young mayor, he was focused on expanding Accra’s global partnerships to attract ideas, innovation, and best practices that would support the city’s development agenda.
Outlining key priorities of the Assembly, the Mayor said the AMA was working to restructure and modernise markets across the metropolis, introduce an electric bus transport system, improve street lighting, and ensure proper street naming to enhance navigation and urban efficiency.
He explained that the Assembly was also exploring new mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and bicycles, to reduce congestion within the Central Business District and improve public transport efficiency.
The Mayor assured the Ambassador of the Assembly’s support for the initiative, stating that suitable locations would be identified for the project in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Discussions between thè two leaders also touched on opportunities for collaboration in sports diplomacy, including a proposed visit by the Mayor to Mexico to watch an upcoming international friendly match between Ghana and Mexico scheduled for May 22.
The two sides also explored a cultural initiative tied to the FIFA World Cup, involving the display of football-themed photographs across selected locations in Accra, including bus stops and public spaces, to promote cultural exchange and public engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K. Annoful, as well as the Head of International Relations at the A.M.A., Bashirsu Salifu.