Dortmund Delegation Strengthens Ties with Kumasi as Mayor Reaffirms Commitment to Long-Standing Partnership

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A high-level delegation from the City of Dortmund in Germany, led by Mr. Ailko Wichman, Director of Procurement, has paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang, to reaffirm the deep-rooted cooperation between the two cities. The visit, facilitated by partners from GIZ and POLAS, underscored the shared commitment to advancing development initiatives that have defined the Kumasi–Dortmund partnership over the years.

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Wichman highlighted Dortmund’s strong appreciation for its enduring relationship with Kumasi, which spans critical sectors such as climate action, women’s empowerment, skills development, and cultural exchange. He emphasized that transparency and accountability remain essential to sustaining these collaborative efforts, especially their ongoing partnership with UNI-JAY Ltd under the women empowerment programme.

Mr. Wichman further expressed optimism about the prospects of featuring made-in-Ghana products in Dortmund markets, describing it as a meaningful step toward strengthening trade ties between the two cities. He also conveyed warm greetings from the Mayor of Dortmund to the Mayor of Kumasi and the people of the metropolis, affirming Dortmund’s continued goodwill and readiness to deepen cooperation.

Mrs. Janet Abobigu, Chief Executive Officer of UNI-JAY Ltd and a beneficiary of the women empowerment initiative, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and its development partners for the confidence reposed in her company. She stated that the support provided under the programme will significantly enhance practical training for students, reduce unemployment, and empower young women with sustainable skills to secure better livelihoods.

Mayor Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, in response, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the Kumasi–Dortmund partnership. “I inherited this cooperation, and I am committed to it for the good of Kumasi,” he stated, acknowledging the substantial contributions made by Germany and Dortmund to the city’s development agenda. He noted that Germany’s dedication is clearly demonstrated in the €6 million support to the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), aimed at improving technical training with modern tools and technology.

The Mayor expressed confidence that the UNI-JAY partnership will play a pivotal role in local and national economic growth, especially as the garment and textile sector continues to receive attention from central government. He revealed that the government has already made budgetary allocations to expand the industry, with three regions selected to benefit from the initiative.

The visit concluded with a renewed sense of commitment from both sides, as Kumasi and Dortmund continue to chart a path of shared development, strengthened cooperation, and impactful exchange programmes.