The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey has hosted a 30-member delegation from Columbus, Ohio, led by former Mayor Michael B. Coleman, as part of efforts to deepen the longstanding sister city relationship between Accra and Columbus.

The visit, which formed part of ongoing cultural and educational exchanges between the two cities, brought together artists, educators and investors from Columbus to engage with officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other stakeholders.

Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Allotey expressed appreciation to the visitors for honouring the partnership and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between Accra and Columbus.

According to him, the visit represented an important step in sustaining the vision established by previous administrations and assured the delegation of the Assembly’s full support during their stay.

Mayor Allotey emphasised that the city government remained open to supporting initiatives that would deepen cooperation between the two cities and facilitate meaningful exchanges between their institutions and citizens

Addressing the gathering, the former Mayor of Columbus recalled the historic moment in 2015 when leaders of the two cities signed the Sister Cities Agreement in Columbus, describing the document as a profound commitment between the people of Accra and Columbus.

He explained that the agreement symbolised a lasting bond of friendship that transcends geographical distance and reflects a shared commitment to collaboration between the two cities across the Atlantic.

According to him, the partnership had since become one of the most meaningful international relationships for the city of Columbus, emphasising that the connection with Accra represented a reconnection with the cultural and historical roots of many African-Americans.

Mr Coleman noted that the delegation’s visit was not merely ceremonial but represented the best of Columbus’s creative and cultural community, including artists, photographers and educators who were eager to engage with their counterparts in Accra.

He added that arts and culture play a critical role in the civic, cultural, and economic development of Columbus and expressed excitement about sharing that experience with Accra while also learning from Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Former Mayor of Accra Hon. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, who played a key role in initiating the sister city relationship, also welcomed the delegation and reflected on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two cities on November 15, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio.

He stated that the agreement had been envisioned as a lifelong partnership between Accra and Columbus and expressed satisfaction that both cities had remained committed to the vision since its inception.

Also present were the Member of Parliament for the Ododiodioo Constituency, Hon. Alfred Ashie Kotey and the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey,Hon. Alfred Ato Allotey-Gaisie.