Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has highlighted the importance of city-to-city partnerships in driving sustainable economic development across Africa.

She described municipal collaboration as a powerful tool for investment, innovation and institutional growth.

The Vice President said this when delivering the keynote address at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 23, where she spoke on the theme, “Forging Stronger Partnerships in Africa for Sustainable Economic Development.”

The Vice President said stronger collaboration between cities can help address common development challenges while creating opportunities for economic growth, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing.

“Speaking on the theme ‘Forging Stronger Partnerships in Africa for Sustainable Economic Development,’ I highlighted the importance of city-to-city diplomacy in promoting development, strengthening institutions, and fostering relationships. City-to-city partnerships continue to provide solutions to shared challenges and create opportunities for investment and mutual learning,” she wrote in a social media post on Thursday, July 23.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana remains committed to strengthening local governance through decentralisation under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which places Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies at the centre of national development.

She noted that the government’s approach is aimed at equipping local authorities with greater resources and responsibilities to deliver quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential public services.

The Vice President also highlighted Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, noting that it presents significant opportunities for intercity collaboration in trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation and investment, particularly for young people.

“As cities worldwide face common challenges, including rapid urbanisation, climate change, waste management, public health, and disaster preparedness, we need greater collaboration among municipalities to share knowledge, strengthen institutional capacity, and develop practical solutions that enhance our quality of life,” she said.