The Effutu Municipal Assembly on Sunday, January 4, 2026 hosted a colourful and emotionally charged farewell dinner in honour of the Charlottesville Sister City Delegation from the United States of America, marking yet another milestone in the enduring partnership between the two cities.The elegant ceremony, held at the serene Tempest Locals, a restaurant in Winneba, was hosted by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effutu, Hon. Rev. Attah Mensah, with the Paramount Chief of Effutu, Neenyi Ghartey VII chairing the ocassion. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, including members of the Effutu Traditional Council, Heads of Departments of the Municipal Assembly, security services, opinion leaders, invited guests, and members of the Charlottesville delegation.
The atmosphere of the evening reflected unity, gratitude, and mutual respect, underscoring the shared vision and long-standing friendship that has defined the Effutu–Charlottesville Sister City relationship over the years.Speaking at the event, Rev. Attah Mensah expressed profound appreciation to the Charlottesville delegation on behalf of the Effutu Municipal Assembly and the people of Effutu. He praised the delegation for their unwavering commitment and support, describing the partnership as one that has translated goodwill into tangible development outcomes for the municipality.The MCE highlighted the significant impact of donations from the sister city partnership, particularly in the areas of emergency response, healthcare delivery, and education. He noted that the donation of critical equipment including a fire tender, an ambulance, and assorted medical items has greatly enhanced the operational capacity of institutions within the municipality.“These interventions have strengthened our emergency response systems and healthcare delivery. The ambulance, in particular, has played a vital role in saving lives and ensuring timely medical care for our people,” he stated.Hon. Rev. Attah Mensah also lauded the Charlottesville–Winneba Sister City Foundation for its continued support for education, especially the donation of reading and learning materials to the Ghana Library Authority in Winneba. He described the gesture as a strategic investment in literacy, intellectual development, and the future leadership of the youth of Effutu.Beyond the material benefits, the MCE emphasized that the donations symbolized something deeper; genuine friendship, shared values, and a common commitment to sustainable development. He assured the delegation that all donated items would be properly maintained and used strictly for their intended purposes.He concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming Effutu’s commitment to the partnership and declaring that the municipality would always regard Charlottesville as “a home away from home.” He expressed confidence that the collaboration would continue to reach even greater heights in the years ahead.In his remarks, Chancellor for the University of Education, Winneba and Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII commended the Charlottesville delegation for their selfless, consistent, and impactful support to the municipality. He conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of the traditional authority and the people of Effutu, noting that the sister city relationship has directly touched and transformed lives within the community.The Paramount Chief reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Effutu Traditional Council for the partnership and encouraged both parties to continue nurturing the relationship for the mutual benefit of Effutu and Charlottesville. He stressed that such international collaborations serve as powerful tools for cultural exchange, development, and global friendship.The farewell dinner was also marked by moments of cultural exchange, warm interactions, and reflections on shared achievements, reinforcing the human bonds that underpin the sister city initiative.As the night drew to a close, the mood was one of gratitude, celebration, and renewed commitment. The event not only celebrated past successes but also rekindled hope and enthusiasm for deeper collaboration, innovation, and solidarity between Effutu and Charlottesville in the years ahead.Indeed, the night stood as a glowing testament to what sustained friendship, mutual respect, and shared purpose can achieve across borders.
STORY BY: CHARLES BAAH ABOAGHE & PAA KWESI BUDU-MENSAH – ISD
Last modified: January 5, 2026
