The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey has received a key to the City of Belmopan, the capital of Belize, a country on the Eastern coast of Northern Central America to strengthen the relationship between the two cities.

The key which was presented to the first female Mayor of Accra by representatives of the city of Belmopan symbolises the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted sister city. 

Presenting the "Key" to the Mayor of Accra, Mayor of Belmopan, Sheran Sharon Palacio, in a speech read on her behalf by Melvyn Edenojie, Director of Finance for Belmopan City Council said the "Key" was a symbol for both Mayors to connect their constituencies and communities for mutual benefits, people's progress and development.

She noted that the sister city relationship memorandum between Accra and Belmopan sought to promote opportunities and exchanges. 

She stressed the need to prioritise cultural language exchange semesters abroad and service learning opportunities between the two cities to boost youth advancement.  

She took the opportunity to extend an invitation to the Mayor of Accra to visit the capital of Belmopan, Belize from 16th to 21st November 2023 for the cultural festival on slavery to jumpstart the sister city relationship by promoting tourism focusing on youths in Accra and the city of Belmopan.

Receiving the Key, the Mayor of Accra assured that she would work hand in hand with the Mayor of Belmopan to empower women in both cities to attain livelihood skills capable of bridging the gender gap in society.

"The future is now and now is the future, we have to leave a legacy as Mayors... We will work hand in hand to empower women in our cities to gain skills," she said.  

She expressed joy at receiving the key to the City of Belmopan adding that areas of cooperation had been identified to practicalize the relationship between the two cities. 

Present at the event were, Hope Amadri R.N   City Councillor of Belmopan, and Angelina Nthabeleng Ntsasa Councillor Mayor of Lesotho, among others.

Sompaonline/Nana Yaw Boamah