Kumasi, Victoria Plan Twin-City Project

Kumasi, The Ashanti Regional capitaland Victoria, capital of Seychelles Island, are planning a twin-city project toboost the growth of the two cities.The marriage which is currentlybeing discussed extensively would see both cities collaborating in areas suchas tourism and environment among others.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei TutuII, who was on a visit to Seychelles Island at the invitation of the governmentproposed the twin-city project idea.The project, if it becomessuccessful, would see Kumasi and Victoria working closely to enhance theirsocio-economic prospects to benefit their people.

It would see mayors of the twocities visiting each other regarding what both cities could do collectively tohelp make life better for their respective people.

Affiliation between SeychellesIsland Broadcasting Corporation and some selected media organizations in Kumasiwas part of the deal which is still being discussed.The project would also factor theopening of a consular between Ghana and Seychelles Island in both countries toboost effective relationship.

All these came to light when theAsantehene held talks with President James Michel of Seychelles Island atVictoria on the Mahe Island.Tourism Minister, Hon. ElizabethOfosu-Adjare and Chief Executive of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) KojoBonsu, were present at the meeting.

The Asante Monarch was of theopinion that Ghana and Seychelles stand the chance of making giant strides inthe areas of tourism and environmental management, if they chose to workclosely.He extended an invitation toPresident James Michel to visit Ghana for further discussion on the issue.

Nana Otuo Serebuo, the Juabenhene,on behalf of Otumfuo, presented a special 'Kente' cloth and a traditionalstool, dubbed 'Kotokodwa' which was decorated with an emblem called'Denkyemkye' to President Michel.In his remarks, President Michelsaid the people of Seychelles Island were happy to see the Asantehene visitingtheir country.

He expressed the hope that Otumfuo'svisit would open a new chapter in the Ghana/Seychelles Island relationship.The President presented a tortoise,which represents long life and prosperity in Seychelles Island to Otumfuo.Prominent Asante chiefs and peoplefrom Ministry of Tourism, were part of the Asantehene's delegation to theSeychelles Island.