Former Columbus Mayor pays courtesy call on Ga Mantse to strengthen sister-city ties

Former Mayor of Columbus, Ohio, Michael B. Coleman, has paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at the Ga Traditional Council in Accra, as part of efforts to deepen the long-standing sister-city relationship between Accra and Columbus.

The visit, facilitated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, brought together a delegation of cultural figures, community leaders, and professionals from the United States who are seeking to strengthen cultural and developmental ties with the Ga State.

Speaking during the meeting, Maame Efua Houadjeto explained that the delegation had specifically expressed interest in meeting the Ga Mantse following the warm reception he received during his visit to Columbus.

“These honorable men and women sitting behind me wanted to come and see the King himself because when the King was in Columbus, Ohio, they received him warmly"

"They dined with him and had meaningful conversations with him. So it is only proper that I come here with them,” she said.

She added that the delegation included the former Mayor of Columbus, Michael B. Coleman, and his wife, and invited him to address the gathering and explain the purpose of their visit.

Addressing the Ga Traditional Council, Mr. Coleman recalled the historic relationship between the two cities, which was formalized in 2015 when Accra and Columbus signed a Sister-City Agreement aimed at promoting cooperation and cultural exchange.

“My name is Michael Coleman, and I am here with these wonderful people from the great city of Columbus, Ohio. In 2015, the former Mayor of Accra visited our city and we executed a sister-city agreement which establishes brotherhood and sisterhood forever,” he said.

According to him, the agreement symbolizes more than a ceremonial document.

“That document is not just a parchment we signed with words and phrases. It represents the spirit, the mind, and the body of creating and sustaining a long-lasting friendship and brotherhood between our communities from now and into the future,” he stated.

Mr. Coleman noted that the delegation included artists, cultural icons, singers, basketball players, community leaders, council members, gallery owners, and developers, all united by the goal of strengthening ties between the two cities.

He expressed gratitude to the Ga State for its hospitality and extended an invitation for members of the Ga Traditional Council to visit Columbus.

“We are here to say thank you for being the foundation of this relationship. We are very grateful, and our hope is that you can also visit Columbus so that we can show you the same love and support you have shown us,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the Ga Mantse, the Paramount Chief of the Sempe Traditional Area, Nii Adote Otintor II, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Ga State’s commitment to the partnership.

He recalled the Ga Mantse’s visit to Columbus last year, noting that the delegation was received with exceptional hospitality.

“The Ga Mantse and I visited last year, and you gave us the best of treatment. You expressed your expectation of unity and togetherness going forward, and we are grateful that you have kept your word,” he said.

Nii Adote Otintor II further conveyed the gratitude of the Ga Mantse and assured the visitors that the Ga Traditional Council remains committed to strengthening the relationship.

“As you have come here today, we welcome you warmly. You came with one hand, but we receive you with two hands. That is the hospitality of the Ga people,” he said.

He also invoked blessings upon the delegation, praying that the God of Heaven and the spirits of the land would guide and prosper them in all their endeavors.

The visit highlighted the enduring partnership between Accra and Columbus and underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations and community development.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith