The official visit of His Majesty Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Paramount Chief of the New Juaben Traditional Area in Ghana, to the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, concluded successfully, forging a path towards enhanced collaboration and mutual understanding between the two regions. The visit, which included a delegation of chiefs, advisors, academics, public servants, and tourism professionals, centered around key discussions with prominent members of the NRW Parliament, focusing on potential partnerships in areas of governance, culture, education, economic cooperation, and particularly youth employment and skills development. A significant outcome of these discussions was the exploration of establishing a city twinning arrangement between Koforidua, the capital of the New Juaben Traditional Area, and cities within NRW.
During their two-day engagement at the State Parliament, the delegation engaged in productive meetings with Mr. Stefan Engstfeld MdL, Chairman of the Committee for Europe and International Relations, and Ms. Eileen Woestmann MdL, Vice Chair of the Committee for Children, Youth and Family. These meetings, moderated by the parliamentarians, delved into the possibilities of a future city twinning program, highlighting the potential benefits for both Koforidua and its prospective partner city in NRW. The discussions emphasized youth employment and skills training as key areas of focus for this potential partnership, aiming to leverage the strengths and resources of both regions to empower young people and address unemployment challenges. The presence of Nana Juaben Serwaa III, the Queen Mother of the New Juaben Traditional Area, alongside other prominent figures, underscored the significance of the visit and the commitment of the traditional leadership to fostering international collaborations.
The delegation’s visit to NRW served to solidify the shared commitment between the New Juaben Traditional Area and the German state to deepen existing ties and explore new avenues for cooperation. The focus on governance exchange signifies a desire to learn from each other’s best practices in public administration and policy-making. Cultural exchanges were also discussed, recognizing the importance of celebrating and understanding each other’s traditions and heritage. The emphasis on education highlights the shared belief in the transformative power of knowledge and skills development, while economic cooperation seeks to create opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity. The meetings provided a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration between the two regions.
Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Strategic Advisor to Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, led the presentation on the concept of town twinning, outlining the structure, benefits, and potential areas of collaboration under such an arrangement. He emphasized the importance of creating sustainable partnerships that would benefit both communities involved. Ms. Maria Otobia Bruce-Tagoe, Daasebre’s Advisor on Youth Employment Initiatives, delivered a presentation on youth employment and empowerment, highlighting the challenges faced by young people in both Ghana and Germany and proposing strategies for addressing these issues through joint initiatives. These presentations provided valuable insights into the specific areas where collaboration could be most impactful, further strengthening the case for a future partnership.
The potential city twinning arrangement between Koforidua and a city in NRW promises numerous benefits for both regions. For Koforidua, it offers access to expertise and resources in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure development, and vocational training. It also opens doors for cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and potential investment opportunities. For the chosen city in NRW, the twinning arrangement presents an opportunity to foster international relations, promote cultural understanding, and engage in mutually beneficial economic activities. The focus on youth employment and skills development ensures that the partnership directly addresses a critical challenge faced by many communities globally, creating opportunities for young people and fostering sustainable development.
The visit of Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III and his delegation marks a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the New Juaben Traditional Area in Ghana and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. The productive discussions held during the visit, coupled with the commitment of both sides to exploring a city twinning arrangement, signal a promising future for collaboration. The emphasis on youth employment and skills development as a central pillar of this potential partnership highlights the shared desire to invest in the future and empower the next generation. The delegation’s continued engagements with the Ghanaian community in NRW will further solidify the connections forged during this visit and contribute to the ongoing dialogue aimed at realizing the full potential of this budding partnership.
