Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang delivered the keynote address at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sister Cities International in Washington, DC. She emphasized the critical role of city-to-city diplomacy in advancing development, strengthening institutions, and fostering international relationships. Sister Cities International, founded in 1956, is a non-profit network connecting communities globally through cultural, educational, and trade exchanges.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang spoke on the theme “Forging Stronger Partnerships in Africa for Sustainable Economic Development.” She highlighted how city-to-city partnerships offer practical solutions to shared challenges and generate opportunities for investment and mutual learning. These collaborations are vital for addressing complex issues faced by urban centers worldwide.
This advocacy aligns with Ghana’s broader economic strategy, which prioritizes decentralized governance and regional integration. Under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies are central to national development. Empowering these local assemblies with greater resources and responsibilities aims to improve the delivery of essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This focus on local governance is crucial for equitable economic growth across the country.
The Vice President also underscored Ghana’s strategic position as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. She pointed to the vast opportunities for inter-city collaboration across the African continent that AfCFTA presents. City diplomacy can significantly stimulate trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and investment, creating new avenues for youth employment and economic diversification.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang reiterated Ghana’s commitment to strengthening local governance through decentralization. She noted that the empowerment of local assemblies is a key component of the nation's development agenda. This commitment ensures that local communities have the capacity to drive their own progress and contribute effectively to national goals.
Cultural and educational exchanges remain critical for building trust and strengthening bonds between diverse communities. Ghana’s long-standing commitment to reconnecting with the African diaspora exemplifies how people-to-people engagement can evolve into enduring partnerships. These partnerships contribute significantly to sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Cities worldwide face common challenges, including rapid urbanization, climate change, waste management, public health, and disaster preparedness. Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for greater collaboration among municipalities to share knowledge and strengthen institutional capacity. This cooperation is essential for developing practical solutions that enhance the quality of life for citizens globally.
The Vice President congratulated Sister Cities International on its 70 years of promoting global friendship and cooperation. She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to partnerships that advance sustainable development, institutional learning, economic opportunity, and shared prosperity. These international collaborations are instrumental in achieving Ghana's long-term economic and social objectives.