In a historic and forward-looking engagement, the Paramount Chief of the New Juaben Traditional Area, His Majesty Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, has successfully concluded an official diplomatic visit to the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in Germany. The visit, which took place over several days, culminated in strengthened bilateral discussions, strategic partnerships, and renewed cultural diplomacy between Ghana and Germany.
The high-powered delegation led by Daasebre engaged in a series of key meetings aimed at deepening cooperation across critical sectors, including youth development, education, culture, and local governance. Among the major highlights of the visit was a productive roundtable at the NRW State Parliament involving prominent German lawmakers and parliamentary committee heads.
On the second day of the visit, Daasebre and his team were received by Mr. Stefan Engstfeld, a Member of the State Parliament (MdL) and Chairman of the Committee for Europe and International Relations, alongside Ms. Eileen Woestmann MdL, Vice Chair of the Committee for Children, Youth, and Family. The dialogue between both delegations was moderated in a spirit of mutual respect, shared vision, and sustainable development.
Central to the engagements was the proposal of a “city twinning” initiative that would see the Ghanaian city of Koforidua—capital of the Eastern Region and seat of the New Juaben Traditional Area—formally partnered with one or more cities in NRW. This initiative is expected to facilitate cultural exchanges, educational linkages, and technical cooperation, with a particular focus on employment creation and vocational training opportunities for the youth in both regions.
“This is not just a diplomatic engagement,” Daasebre noted during his address to the Parliament, “but a bridge of hope that connects our people, values, and ambitions across two continents.”
Joining His Majesty were other key dignitaries from the New Juaben Traditional Area, including Nana Juaben Serwaa III, the Queen Mother, alongside senior chiefs, royal advisors, public sector professionals, tourism practitioners, and academics. Their collective presence underscored the importance of the mission and symbolized a shared commitment to expanding Ghana’s international relations through traditional leadership and cultural diplomacy.
One of the most impactful presentations was delivered by Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Strategic Advisor to Daasebre, who elaborated on the strategic goals and framework for the proposed town twinning arrangement. Mr. Essuah-Mensah emphasized the mutual benefits such a partnership could yield, particularly in governance capacity building, urban infrastructure development, and people-to-people contact.
Complementing that presentation, Ms. Maria Otobia Bruce-Tagoe, an advisor to Daasebre on Youth Employment Initiatives, presented an in-depth overview of employment challenges facing Ghana’s youth and how collaboration with NRW cities could provide innovative solutions. She highlighted areas such as vocational training, internships, and technical exchange programs that could serve as immediate intervention points.
The visit was not only ceremonial but also deeply strategic. Discussions spanned the spectrum from local governance policies to education reform models and intercultural dialogue. The atmosphere was described as “one of honest exchange and enthusiastic cooperation,” by officials at the Parliament.
Beyond the official sessions at the Parliament, the New Juaben delegation participated in several side meetings with regional leaders, Ghanaian expatriate communities, and development experts based in NRW. These interactions are expected to open new pathways for bilateral support, especially in terms of diaspora engagement and remittance-driven development in Ghana.
Furthermore, the presence of the Queen Mother and senior traditional leaders highlighted the unique role that traditional governance plays in Ghana’s political and social architecture. Their inclusion in the visit reinforced the message that development must be rooted in cultural identity and heritage preservation.
With Germany serving as one of Ghana’s largest development partners within the European Union, this visit adds a cultural and grassroots dimension to an already robust bilateral relationship. Both Ghanaian and German stakeholders agreed on the importance of sustained follow-ups, joint action plans, and collaborative monitoring to ensure the success of initiatives birthed during this visit.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III’s official visit was also in alignment with Ghana’s broader goals of decentralized diplomacy—where chiefs, metropolitan assemblies, and local institutions are empowered to seek international partnerships that bring localized benefits.
In the coming days, the delegation is expected to continue their engagement in NRW by meeting with members of the Ghanaian community in various towns and cities across the state. These community engagements are designed to ensure that the outcomes of the visit resonate with the diaspora and encourage them to actively contribute to the development of the New Juaben Traditional Area and Ghana at large.
The visit has already garnered positive media attention both in Ghana and Germany, with many hailing it as a pioneering move in traditional diplomacy and intergovernmental cooperation. It serves as a shining example of how African traditional leadership can play an active and constructive role on the international stage.
As the delegation prepares to return home, they leave behind a strong message: that the bridge between Ghana and Germany is not just governmental but also cultural, educational, and deeply rooted in the shared aspirations of their peoples.
This visit by Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, supported by a dynamic team of advisors and traditional leaders, marks a significant milestone in the evolving role of traditional institutions in international diplomacy. It is expected to serve as a template for future cross-border collaborations driven by visionary leadership, cultural pride, and a commitment to transformative partnerships.
