Columbus, OH – August 1, 2025 — His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse of the Ga State in Accra, Ghana, continued his diplomatic and cultural tour of Columbus with a visit to the Columbus Crew training facilities, a highlight of his itinerary as Guest of Honor for the ongoing Ohio Ghana Festival 2025.
Accompanied by members of his royal delegation and festival organizers, the Ga Mantse was warmly received by senior officials of Columbus Crew, Ohio’s Major League Soccer team, at their state-of-the-art training complex led by Josh Glessing. Josh Glessing serves as the Columbus Crew’s President of Business Operations.
The visit underscored the festival’s mission to foster cross-cultural engagement, youth development, and international collaboration through sports, culture, and diplomacy.
⚽ Royal Tour Meets Soccer Excellence
During the tour, His Majesty interacted with players, coaching staff, and Columbus Crew executives. He received a personalized team jersey, and discussions were held around potential partnerships between Accra-based youth programs and Columbus sports development institutions.
> “Sports are a universal language,” the Ga Mantse noted. “As we deepen ties between Accra and Columbus, it is important to explore how our youth can benefit through sports exchange and education. Columbus Crew stands as a strong example of professional excellence in football.”
Columbus Crew officials expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed their commitment to future engagements with Ghanaian sports and cultural institutions.
🤝 Bridging Continents Through Culture and Sports
The visit is part of a broader agenda by the Ga Mantse to use the Ohio Ghana Festival not only to celebrate heritage but also to advance the Accra–Columbus sister-city relationship, which was established to promote collaboration in areas including sports, education, arts, and trade.
According to Mr. Frank Ntiamoah Williams Grand Durbar Cordinator for the Ohio Ghana Festival >
“This was not just a photo opportunity. This was a powerful moment that brought together leadership, opportunity, and vision. It’s an example of how cultural diplomacy goes beyond ceremonies—it leads to real conversations and possibilities.”
🌍 Festival Continues
Ga Mantse’s visit to Columbus Crew adds to a series of high-profile engagements during the Ohio Ghana Festival, which includes: A diplomatic meeting and Key to the City presentation at Columbus City Hall
The Kasapreko Grand Durbar and a star-studded musical night on August 2 will highlight how Columbus is embracing Ghanaian culture on multiple fronts—from City Hall to the soccer pitch—this year’s festival is marking a new chapter in the city’s growing relationship with West Africa.
