Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, led Ghana’s delegation to the Ohio Ghana Festival in Columbus. His arrival at the weekend sparked excitement and reinforced the strong civic and cultural bond between Accra and Columbus—two Sister Cities.
The King’s presence highlighted the festival’s opening. Hundreds of Ghanaian-Americans and Columbus locals gathered to celebrate Ghanaian heritage through music, food, and culture.
Wearing regal traditional attire, the Ga Mantse arrived with leading chiefs from the Ga State and northern Ghana. City officials, including Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, officially welcomed him to Columbus.
Mayor Ginther stated, “This festival builds bridges between communities and continents. Accra and Columbus share not only a Sister City agreement, but also values and cultural ties.”
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II praised the Ghanaian diaspora for its contributions to American life. He encouraged continued efforts in education, business, and cultural exchange.
“Our traditions must be shared, not just preserved,” the King said. “Through sharing, we build stronger identities and lasting global connections.”
The Ohio Ghana Festival has become a cultural staple in Columbus. It featured drumming, dance, and food exhibitions that reflected Ghana’s vibrant diversity. Many young Ghanaians in the diaspora viewed the chance to meet traditional rulers as both empowering and deeply personal.
Joining the Ga Mantse were other notable chiefs, including Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and Council of State member; Naba Abisa Anthony Atasige III, Vice President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs; Nii Adote Otintor II, Paramount Chief of Sempe; and Nii Dodoo Nsaki II, Paramount Chief of Otublohum. Their presence symbolized Ghanaian unity and cultural pride abroad.
Organizers from both Ghana and Ohio described the event as a fresh chapter in their Sister City collaboration. Plans are underway for joint initiatives in arts, youth mentorship, and cultural education.
As the festival ended, its message resonated: cultural traditions, when shared with dignity and openness, create bridges to greater understanding and opportunity.