A strategic city-to-city partnership between Ghana and Savannah, Georgia, is already yielding results, with plans underway for Accra to procure electric Metro Mass Transit buses from Hyundai through Savannah-based investors.
The development was revealed during a courtesy visit by Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) as part of his official tour of Ghana.
“This is just one of the many outcomes from our ongoing collaboration. Electric buses will offer cheaper fares, be more environmentally friendly, and their novelty will attract greater patronage. That increased demand will ultimately lead to job creation,” the Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said.
He hailed the partnership for moving beyond ceremony into concrete action.
Mayor Johnson led a delegation including Dwayne Stevens, former chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Commission; Marty Johnson, deputy assistant to the mayor; and Dr. Joseph Silver Sr., president of Silver and Associates.
The team visited Cape Coast and Kumasi, ending the tour in Accra, which Johnson described as “saving the best for last.”
The Savanna mayor expressed admiration for his Accra counterpart, praising both the hospitality he received and the leadership he witnessed during the visit.
“First of all, the reception has been absolutely amazing,” he said. “I’m glad I finally had the chance to meet this dynamic and exciting mayor, who has such a bold vision for the people of Accra. He thinks big, and that’s the only way progress is going to happen.”
In February 2024, Savannah and Accra signed a formal inter-city partnership agreement during a virtual ceremony. The agreement, Savannah’s first official international partnership with an African city, focuses on education, culture, urban planning, and tourism.
“We have a shared history and a shared lineage,” Mayor Johnson added. “And with that comes a shared responsibility—to move forward together.”
The Savannah Mayor, who made history by winning all 53 voting precincts in his city’s most recent election, said he envisions the partnership growing stronger.
“This partnership will mean a lot for the people of Accra, and the people of Savannah—for many, many years to come.”
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