In a powerful step toward global unity, The Ohio State University welcomed a high-level delegation of Ghanaian ministers on May 20 as part of an expanding partnership to deepen the Columbus–Accra sister-city relationship. The visit highlighted a shared commitment to educational, scientific, and healthcare collaboration, cementing Columbus as a gateway for African diplomacy and development.
The delegation, led by Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Adviser to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, was hosted by the Ohio State Center for African Studies. With a strong show of support, Kaya Şahin, Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs, and Ousman Kobo, Director of the Center, emphasized the university’s dedication to meaningful global connections and long-term academic partnerships with Ghanaian institutions.
“This is more than a visit—it’s a launching pad for transformational collaboration,” Kobo stated, urging all stakeholders to explore new avenues for engagement.The delegation’s discussions included diverse sectors of mutual interest:
Global One Health initiative (GOHi) Executive Director Wondwossen Gebreyes spotlighted evolving partnerships focused on research, training, and student exchanges that address health challenges across borders.
Healthcare ties were strengthened through Dr. Buhari Muhammad of Heart of Ohio Family Health and Dr. Chyke Doubeni, Chief Health Equity Officer at OSU Wexner Medical Center, who outlined a promising collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Health.
From the College of Nursing, Professors Stephen McGhee and Donal O’Mathuna advocated for expanding Ghana–Ohio nursing education exchanges, emphasizing capacity-building and joint research.
Rafiq Islam, soil and bioenergy expert from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, reignited efforts to reestablish agricultural research collaborations that promote sustainable food production in Ghana.
Business education took center stage with Emily Salopeck of the Fisher College of Business and CIBER, who underlined the value of developing Ghana’s next generation of business leaders through institutional exchange.
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy CEO of Ghana’s Forestry Commission, also addressed environmental strategies and cooperation during the roundtable.Capping the day’s proceedings, Stacy Rastauskas, Vice President for Government Affairs at OSU, reiterated the university’s advocacy for education and research as critical tools for global progress.
The Center for African Studies seized the opportunity to further its outreach. Kobo extended gratitude to Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and his administration for championing African community engagement across the city.
In a spirit of Pan-Africanism and global solidarity, the visit laid the groundwork for new collaborations, including a promising partnership between the Center for African Studies and Heart of Ohio. The event wasn’t just ceremonial—it marked a tangible step forward in bridging academia, government, and civic life between Ghana and Ohio.
As the Columbus–Accra Sister City relationship celebrates nearly a decade of diplomacy, this visit affirms that the future of international collaboration begins in classrooms, clinics, laboratories—and in the shared aspirations of global citizens.
