Loudoun County, Virginia (VA) in the United States of America (USA), known for its rich history, vibrant community, and diverse population, made a significant gesture by conferring Honorary Citizenship upon Her Excellency (HE) Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghana’s first female Ambassador to the USA.

This prestigious recognition by Loudoun County of the Ghanaian Ambassador symbolizes the County’s appreciation for the exceptional contributions to the Sister-Cities Concept and signifies the importance of international collaboration and global citizenship. By bestowing honorary citizenship, Loudoun County honours the recipient’s accomplishments while fostering cultural exchange and showcasing its commitment to embracing individuals from all corners of the world. Most importantly, Loudoun County’s decision to confer honorary citizenship is a testament to the Ambassador’s commitment towards positively impacting the County with particular reference to the role the Embassy played through her supervision to secure the successful sister-city collaboration between Loudoun County and the city of Tema in Ghana.

Honorary Citizenship was also conferred on Ninette Danquah Ivo, Head of Economic and Diaspora Affairs at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC. It took place during the delivery of the annual State-of-the-County Address by Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall at the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center in Leesburg, VA. During her Address, Chair Randall particularly singled out Ghana and indicated that her County was looking forward to developing a prosperous relationship through the Sister-City Agreement. Mr. Gerardo Ruiz Nadal, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Uruguay in Washington DC also received the Honorary Citizenship.

On her part, HE Alima Mahama, in appreciation, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to work towards enhancing local and international networks between the two cities and countries at large.

In June, this year, a delegation from Loudoun County will embark on a visit to Ghana to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mayor of Tema, Honourable Yohane Amarh Ashitey, enforcing the Twinning Charter to commence mutual collaboration between the two cities. While in Ghana, the delegation will explore business opportunities and other partnerships with Ghanaian entities and present them with the prospects of expanding their respective portfolios to Loudoun in the areas of ICT, tourism and agriculture among others.