Kumasi, July 13, GNA - The City of Atlanta, Georgia in the US has agreed to be twinned with the City of Kumasi under the Sister-City Partnership Agreement. The approval followed the recommendations made by a three-member reconnaissance delegation that visited Kumasi to assess the chances of the city for the partnership.

The visit was part of a tour of three African countries in March to select one city for the partnership. The other countries were Kenya and Tanzania.

A letter signed by Miss Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta and addressed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on June 1, indicated her pleasure for the City of Atlanta to be twinned with Kumasi. The letter said through the partnership the cities would derive mutual benefit in business and investment, urban planning and development, public sector capacity building and educational exchange. It said through solidarity measures such as the partnership, cities and local officials could form close linkages on a global basis to share their problems and needs and promote mutual support and best practices that could lead to new and innovative solutions.

The letter said the City of Atlanta was a ready partner to the development of Kumasi and pledged to put its vast business establishments and opportunities as well as scientific research and democratic institutions at the disposal of Kumasi to promote its socio-economic development for the benefit of its people.