Columbus, OH – August 1st, 2025 — In a momentous ceremony symbolizing unity, diplomacy, and cultural heritage, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse of Accra, Ghana, was presented with the Key to the City of Columbus by Mayor Andrew Ginther during a high-level diplomatic meeting at City Hall.
The visit to the Mayor formed part of the Ga Mantse’s official itinerary during his participation as Guest of Honor at the Ohio Ghana Festival 2025, but the significance of the event extended well beyond celebration. The meeting served as a platform to reaffirm and strengthen the sister-city relationship between Accra and Columbus, originally established in 2015.
Mayor Ginther, in presenting the symbolic key, praised His Majesty for his commitment to cultural diplomacy, African heritage preservation, and fostering international collaboration between the people of Ghana and the City of Columbus.
“This honor is a reflection of the deep respect we hold for His Majesty and what his leadership represents—not only for Ghana but for all people of African descent striving to connect with their roots,” Mayor Ginther said during the private presentation attended by city officials, the King’s entourage, and festival organizers.
First Visit Marks New Diplomatic Chapter
This visit marks King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s first time in Columbus, and it is already being heralded as a major milestone in the city’s cultural and diplomatic calendar. While the Ohio Ghana Festival remains the central focus of the trip, the Ga Mantse’s presence has added a profound diplomatic dimension to the festivities.
The Mayor’s courtesy meeting was one of several strategic engagements organized by the Ohio Ghana Festival team to highlight the value of international partnerships and community unity.
A Gesture of Welcome and Promise
The Key to the City, traditionally reserved for individuals who have made lasting contributions to civic and cultural life, was awarded in acknowledgment of the Ga Mantse’s influence and his mission to expand diplomatic, cultural, and educational exchanges between Accra and Columbus.Attendees at the meeting included members of the King’s royal delegation from Ghana, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, and leadership from the Ohio Ghana Festival Committee.
Though not accompanied by traditional fanfare or performance, the moment was filled with symbolic weight, especially as it marks the first time a Ghanaian traditional ruler has been granted this honor by the City of Columbus.
A Festival Enriched by Diplomacy
The Ga Mantse’s participation in the Ohio Ghana Festival 2025, running from July 31 to August 3, includes appearances at the Royal Welcome Reception on August 1 and the Kasapreko Grand Durbar (Cultural Parade & Festival Day) on August 2.
His presence has further elevated the stature of the event, drawing attention from across the Ghanaian diaspora and beyond.
As the festival unfolds, the presentation of the Key to the City stands out as a powerful emblem of unity—linking the people of Accra and Columbus through shared values, history, and a renewed commitment to cross-cultural friendship.
