29/09/2026
🌍 International Network Meeting NRW–Ghana: looking back to shape the future
🪘 Sankofa, a traditional concept from Ghana, served as the central theme of the international network meeting held in Bonn as part of the Local Government Exchange NRW–Ghana programme. The idea is that by looking back, learning from the past and taking action today, we can gain valuable insights for the future.
The starting points of the municipalities represented at the network meeting – drawn from eight partnerships – vary, yet many of the challenges they face are similar: climate change, waste management, renewable energy, social issues and sustainable urban development.
🔙 Looking back:
The partnership between Münster and Tamale demonstrates just how diverse local authority cooperation can be. It is supported by many stakeholders – including representatives from the city administration, civil society, the arts and education. A highlight was the major SDG Conference 2024 in Münster, attended by all the city’s partner municipalities under the motto ‘Stronger together!’
Shared experiences also bring people together: Eschweiler and Keta have both been affected by severe flooding in recent years. Bonn and Cape Coast are working together to promote environmental education.
✨ Taking action in the present:
In the Düsseldorf–Sekondi-Takoradi and Dortmund–Kumasi partnerships, concrete solutions with immediate effects are emerging: from the transport transition, urban planning and upcycling to strengthening women’s economic activities and securing a hospital’s electricity supply through solar energy.
🔭 Looking to the future:
The three newest partnerships in the network aim to develop concrete solutions for a sustainable and resilient future: Troisdorf – Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality, Kalletal – Ketu South and Siegen-Wittgenstein – Nsawam-Adoagyiri – Suhum.
The focus is on renewable energy, effective waste management and good sanitation and healthcare provision. It is particularly important that women and young people are always involved.
To conclude the networking event, attention turned to 2027: that is when the NRW–Ghana partnership will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The partnership agreement is currently being renewed, and local authority cooperation will remain a central part of the partnership in the future.
Looking back, learning from one another and shaping the future together – very much in the spirit of Sankofa. 🤝🌱
👉 On the “Local Government Exchange NRW–Ghana Programme”
https://skew.engagement-global.de/kommunaler-fachaustausch-nordrhein-westfalen-ghana.html
👉 More about the NRW–Ghana partnership https://mbeim.nrw/ghana
Photos: aschoff-fotografie.com