Columbia officials met with a delegation from the Republic of Ghana July 11 to build upon the sisterly relations that exist between Ghana and South Carolina.
It was a portion of the Ghanaian Delegation’s three-day visit in Columbia to further explore possible areas of cooperation in regards to trade, investments, culture, tourism and education.
“We are honored to welcome the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the City of Columbia. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the ties, particularly through our sister city partnership with Accra,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We look forward to continuing to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth, benefiting both Columbia and Ghana.”
Rickenmann, Councilman Tyler D. Bailey, City Manager Teresa Wilson, and others from the City of Columbia executive leadership staff welcomed the delegation of Ghana at City Hall, 1737 Main St. The Ghana delegation was comprised of Her Excellency Alima Mahama (Hajia), Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States of America, Ninette Danquah Ivo, Minister of Economic and Diaspora Affairs (Embassy of Ghana), and Job Tiimob, Trade Officer (Embassy of Ghana).
Mahama is the first female ambassador to the United States and has been serving since June 2021.
“It is a privilege to meet with Ghanaian Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama to continue fostering the strong bond between Columbia and Accra, Ghana,” said Bailey. “A significant portion of the African American population of the City of Columbia can trace their ancestral ties to West Africa as members of the Diaspora and our bonds run deep. Our sister city relationship, established in 2011, has already led to meaningful exchanges in areas such as infrastructure, education, and public policy. This visit represents a chance to further our collaboration. I look forward to discussing how we can build on our successes and explore new opportunities for mutual growth and development.”
During the visit with the City of Columbia, City officials and the delegation of Ghana discussed the sister city relationship with Accra, the capital city of Ghana, public infrastructure advancements and updates, and educational and cultural objectives including a potential urban canvas project.
“We are extremely pleased to have an ongoing sister city relationship with the Republic of Ghana,” said Wilson. “It is our pleasure to host Ambassador Alima Mahama (Hajia). The ability to share and collaborate on mutual goals and opportunities with her Excellency is so valuable.”
Columbia and Ghana’s relationship began in 2011 when the City of Columbia adopted a resolution naming Accra, Ghana a sister city to Columbia. The Columbia World Affairs Council and Benedict College are both partners to sustain our ongoing relations.
In 2014, a delegation from Columbia visited Accra to discuss areas of water/sewer infrastructure, housing and business opportunities. Subsequently in the same year, a delegation from Accra visited the City of Columbia for a continued discussion of public infrastructure, public transportation, water/sewer infrastructure and more areas of importance.
Most recently in 2022, Columbia and the Columbia World Affairs Council hosted delegation from Accra including newly elected Mayor Elizabeth Sackey and former Mayor of Accra and current Ghana Parliament member Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije.
Feature photo: Mayor Rickenmann greets Her Excellency Alima Mahama (Hajia), Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States of America.
