Amanokrom: Mr. David Goins, the Mayor of Alton, Illinois in the United States, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Chief and people of Amanokrom in the Akwapim North District of the Eastern Region to advance the mutual growth of the two communities. Even though he did not give specifics as to the areas the potential partnership would focus on, Mr. Goins stressed the need for the two communities to strike a robust friendship first, which he said was critical in building a strong partnership.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Goins stated that the experience starts with friendship and as the relationship progresses, the communities can begin to discuss specifics of potential collaborations. He expressed optimism that the partnership would come to fruition, helping cultivate a great friendship and relationship. Mr. Goins conveyed these sentiments during a courtesy call on Nana Osim Kwatia II, the Chief of Amanokrom, at his palace in the Akwapim North District, as part of a 12-day visit to Ghana.
The visit formed part of the Mayor and his entourage's efforts to reconnect with their past and was aligned with Black History Month, commemorated annually in February in the US. Mr. Goins described the visit as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, allowing him to reconnect with his history and reaffirm his connection to the African continent. He emphasized the importance of understanding one's heritage and encouraged Africans in the diaspora to visit the continent.
Nana Kwatia II welcomed the proposal, emphasizing his readiness to establish partnerships that benefit his subjects. He reiterated that the development of his community and the well-being of his people remain a top priority. Mrs. Sheila Goins, sharing her experiences, described the visit as life-changing and an honor to reconnect with her past. She has established a black history exhibit in Alton, Illinois, to educate African Americans about their heritage.
Mr. Gregory Samuel Jefferson, one of the tourists, described the tour as a very touching and emotional experience due to the historical significance of the places visited. He noted it as one of the most fantastic tours he has ever participated in.
