€6m Skills Training Boost: Mayor Ofori-Agyemang Highlights Germany’s Continued Support to Kumasi

choicenewsonline6 hours ago

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The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang, has underscored Germany’s unwavering commitment to the development of the metropolis as he hosted a visiting delegation from the City of Dortmund. The team, led by Mr. Ailko Wichman, Director of Procurement for Dortmund, was accompanied by representatives from GIZ and POLAS and was in Kumasi to strengthen ongoing collaborative projects between the two cities.

The visit reaffirmed the long-standing Kumasi–Dortmund partnership, which focuses on climate action, women’s empowerment, skills development and cultural exchange. The delegation praised the progress made under these initiatives and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation.

Mr. Wichman described Dortmund’s relationship with Kumasi as one built on mutual trust and shared development goals. He emphasized the importance of transparency in sustaining the partnership, particularly in the implementation of the women empowerment programme with UNI-JAY Ltd. He added that Dortmund looked forward to the day when products manufactured in Ghana, especially those produced by beneficiaries of the programme, would be represented in European markets. Mr. Wichman also conveyed warm greetings from the Mayor of Dortmund to the Mayor of Kumasi and the people of the city.

Mrs. Janet Abobigu, Chief Executive Officer of UNI-JAY Ltd and key beneficiary of the women’s empowerment initiative, expressed deep appreciation to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), GIZ and the City of Dortmund for the support extended to her company. She highlighted the transformative impact of the programme, explaining that it has strengthened practical training for young women, helped reduce unemployment and expanded opportunities for sustainable livelihoods within the garment and textile sector.

Responding to the delegation, Mayor Ofori-Agyemang Boadi reaffirmed his commitment to furthering the Kumasi–Dortmund cooperation. He praised Germany’s substantial and continuous support to the city, pointing out Dortmund’s recent €6 million investment in the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI). The funding is expected to significantly enhance technical and vocational training at the institution through the provision of modern tools, technology and training facilities.

The Mayor expressed optimism that the empowerment programme with UNI-JAY would contribute meaningfully to both local and national development. He also reiterated the central government’s renewed focus on revitalizing the garment and textile industry, noting that budgetary allocations have been approved and three regions have been selected to benefit from the initiative.

The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their dedication to building a stronger, more impactful partnership that advances skills development, women’s empowerment and economic growth across Kumasi.