Hon. Kojo Bonsu, Mayor of Kumasi has signed an international agreement for his city to join the World Cities Network (WCN). Facilitated by JustGhana Ltd, a meeting was recently held at the House of Lords in London to mark this important event. (L to R: Brian Kilkelly, CEO of WCN; Clive Dutton OBE, WCN Advisory Board Member; Mayor Kojo Bonsu; Lord Hunt, Chairman of JustGhana).

WCN aims to accelerate development of urban infrastructure and the operational systems which deliver greatest resilience. WCN seeks to achieve this through supporting the built environment leaders at the forefront of these challenges. Mayor Bonsu said, “With other cities worldwide, Kumasi looks forward to working with WCN on the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid urbanisation, resource depletion, climate change and the pressures on our infrastructure and economic systems”

Brian Kilkelly said: “We are delighted to welcome Kumasi as WCN’s first African World City. With JustGhana, we will work with Mayor Bonsu to foster relationships with other mayors and city leaders seeking to create sustainable, resilient, and vibrant cities” Mayor Bonsu will speak at leadership events around the world including the forthcoming World Cities Network Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Forum with the City of London, March 6, 2014. KMA and WCN will jointly host an international events in Ghana and abroad, promoting the network and the sharing of knowledge gained with other cities. Regeneration guru Clive Dutton OBE, said “Mayor Bonsu’s regeneration plans will position Kumasi beside other leading cities such as Barcelona, Helsinki, London, New York, Quang Zho, San Francisco, and Tokyo.”

PRESS RELEASE

Kumasi Ghana: First African City in World Network

5 October 2013

Vs2JustGhana, supported by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has formed a consortium of UK and Ghanaian companies including leading architects, regeneration experts, engineers, international investors, developers, and infrastructure companies. The consortium is working with UKTI in Ghana’s capital Accra and Kumasi, the second city, promoting projects to create job and business opportunities, build relationships, share knowledge and generate partnerships.

Lord Hunt said “Leaders and politicians must understand the importance of investing in urban infrastructure to ensure that cities are adaptable, efficient, sustainable and connected. We look forward to working with WCN to deliver Mayor Bonsu’s ambitious and visionary urban regeneration plans in Kumasi”.