Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has delivered the keynote address at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sister Cities International in Washington, DC. The event marked a significant milestone for the non-profit network, which connects communities in the United States with global partners through cultural, educational, and trade exchanges.
Forging Stronger Partnerships in Africa
Speaking on the theme: “Forging Stronger Partnerships in Africa for Sustainable Economic Development,” Vice President Opoku-Agyemang underscored the importance of city-to-city diplomacy in advancing development, strengthening institutions, and fostering international relationships. She emphasized that city-to-city partnerships continue to provide solutions to shared challenges and create opportunities for investment and mutual learning.
Ghana's Commitment to Decentralisation
The Vice President reiterated Ghana's commitment to strengthening local governance through decentralisation. She noted that under President John Dramani Mahama's Reset Agenda, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies remained central to national development. These Assemblies are being empowered with greater resources and responsibilities to improve the delivery of quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other essential public services.
The African Continental Free Trade Area
Prof Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted Ghana's strategic role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. She pointed to the vast opportunities for inter-city collaboration across the continent, citing the potential for city diplomacy to stimulate trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and investment, while creating opportunities for the youth.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges
The Vice President stressed the importance of cultural and educational exchanges in building trust and strengthening bonds between communities. She noted that Ghana's long-standing commitment to reconnecting with the African diaspora demonstrated how people-to-people engagement could develop into enduring partnerships that contributed significantly to development.
A Call for Greater Collaboration
As cities worldwide face common challenges, including rapid urbanisation, climate change, waste management, public health, and disaster preparedness, Prof Opoku-Agyemang called for greater collaboration among municipalities. She said cities needed to share knowledge, strengthen institutional capacity, and develop practical solutions to enhance their quality of life.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Prof Opoku-Agyemang congratulated Sister Cities International on its 70 years of promoting global friendship and cooperation. She reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to partnerships that advanced sustainable development, institutional learning, economic opportunity, and shared prosperity. The event marked a significant milestone in the history of Sister Cities International, and the Vice President's address served as a call to action for greater collaboration among cities worldwide.
Source: Joy Online
