The Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Zubairu Kassim recently led a four-member delegation from the Effutu Municipal Assembly to Charlottesville, USA to among other things explore new avenues for mutual growth and development.
The delegation during the two-week visit to the city of Charlottesville engaged in several activities, which have laid the groundwork for enhanced partnerships, mutual learning, and enduring friendships.
Speaking in an interview, Hon. Alhaji Zubairu Kassim, noted that the visit to Charlottesville exemplifies the Effutu people’s unwavering dedication to building bridges of understanding and cooperation between the two cities. According to him, this significant journey created an opportunity for the Effutu delegation to embark on a series of activities that encapsulate the essence of partnership and collaboration.
He said that the delegation during the period held meetings with the Mayor of Charlottesville, J. Lloyd Snook, and the Local Chamber of Commerce which proved to be productive and insightful with interactions which facilitated a constructive exchange of ideas, laying the groundwork for potential trade and investment opportunities between the two cities. Such dialogues, the MCE intimated pave the way for economic progress and shared prosperity.
Hon. Zubairu Kassim who was in the company of the Municipal Finance Officer, Mr. Enoch Obeng, Assistant Directors, Mr. Bio Kakye and Miss Farida Iddrisu also held a meeting with the Minority Business Association for more partnership opportunities to propel the Municipality’s economic growth. The meeting with the minority association he said, was a testament to the Effutu Municipal Assembly’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of its collaboration, recognizing that vibrant communities are built upon the foundation of inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all.
Believing in cultural exchange programmes to strengthen the bond between the city of Charlottesville and Winneba, the delegation participated in the vibrant African -American Cultural Arts Festival, a celebration of heritage and artistic expression which served as a beautiful reminder of the power of culture in fostering understanding and unity between the two cities.
The team continued with a visit to the VMDO Research Centre, the centre which is partnering Winneba to construct a research centre at the Muni Lagoon. At the centre was a display of the research and architectural design of the Muni Lagoon construction with moves to raise funds in Charlottesville for the execution of the project and a call on the Effutu Municipal Assembly to explore means of raising funds in Ghana to support the project.
The partnership’s impact on the health sector was also evident as the team attended the handing over ceremony of an ambulance donated by the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, a generous contribution by the Charlottesville-Winneba Foundation.
The Effutu MCE whiles expressing the appreciation of the Effutu people to the group noted that this act of benevolence will not only enhances healthcare capabilities but also showcases the positive change that can be achieved through cross-border collaboration. The ambulance is expected to be in Ghana by October, 2023.
STORY BY: CHARLES BAAH ABOAGYE -ISD
Last modified: August 11, 2023
