Accra: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II referenced the UK-Ghana Government's Development Partnership policy paper, highlighting 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. 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.
The Ga Mantse noted that London represents a promising collaborative partner for Accra, a collaboration anchored by shared values and historic ties. He pointed to communities such as Jamestown, Bukom, Osu, La, Tema, Katamanso, and others as evidence of that shared history and potential for investment partnerships. The fishing industry was identified as a promising area for collaboration, particularly in food waste reduction and the development of landing sites and fishing harbours along Ghana's coast.
Attention was also drawn to Accra's dynamic youth population, 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.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II 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. He emphasised the goal of developing Accra into a safe, sustainable, future-proof city that works for its people within the context of Ghanaian culture and traditions.
