Africa-Press – Ghana. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called for deeper cooperation between Accra and London to foster economic transformation, cultural exchange, and sustainable urban development.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Thursday by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, at his Palace, the traditional ruler welcomed the British delegation with warm words of friendship, underscoring the historical ties and mutual aspirations shared between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you to Ghana and to Accra, the heartbeat of the nation,” the Ga Mantse said. “Your visit today presents an opportunity to explore, through strategic dialogue, how together, bilaterally, we may achieve our mutual goals.”
Referencing the UK-Ghana Government’s Development Partnership policy paper, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II highlighted four out of the six outlined development objectives as particularly aligned with the strategic vision of the Ga State. These include economic diversification and transformation, improved access to quality health and education, climate resilience and health security, and conflict risk reduction.
“These objectives underpin the strategic development goals of the Ga State as well as the operations of the Ga Traditional Council,” the Ga Mantse noted.
He expressed confidence that London and Accra, as globally recognised urban centres, could serve as powerful engines for progress by collaborating in key sectors such as technology, urban planning, and cultural tourism.
“London represents a promising collaborative partner for Accra, a collaboration anchored by our shared values and historic ties,” he said.
“The existence of communities such as Jamestown, Bukom, Osu, La, Tema, Katamanso and others are living evidence of that shared history, but also signal the vast untapped potential for investment partnerships,” he said.
The Ga Mantse identified the fishing industry as a promising area for collaboration, particularly in food waste reduction, and the development of landing sites and fishing harbours along Ghana’s coast.
He also called attention to Accra’s dynamic youth population, which he described as “technology-savvy, enterprising, and globally aware,” making them ideal candidates for bilateral cooperation in areas such as cognitive artificial intelligence and innovation.
Recognising the thousands of Ghanaians living in London and the increasing number of Londoners visiting Ghana, he proposed a structured exchange programme between the two cities.
“One of the ways we can deepen cooperation is to establish an accredited periodic exchange programme between London and Accra,” he said.
“Such a programme can help replicate best practices in waste management, promote skills training, and facilitate resource sharing,” he added.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also expressed hope that Mayor Khan’s visit would act as a catalyst for building lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships to enhance urban development, security, and economic stability.
“Just like London, we want to develop Accra into a safe, sustainable, future-proof city that works for its people within the context of our culture and traditions,” he said.
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