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Author: sdyscsadmin
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Economic DevelopmentEvents
May 1, 2025

Looking Ahead: 49th Anniversary & Economic Development Symposium

As we celebrate 49 years of friendship and partnership between Tema, Ghana and San Diego, California, we are excited to look ahead to a milestone event in our shared journey.

From May 22–25, 2025, the San Diego–Tema Sister City Society will host the 49th Anniversary & Economic Development Symposium: Focus Ghana. This landmark gathering will bring together leaders, innovators, and community members from both cities to explore opportunities for education, cultural exchange, trade, and sustainable growth.

We are honored to welcome a delegation of Ghanaian business professionals led by Mr. Frank Asante, Public Relations & International Affairs Officer of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly. Joining him will be distinguished guests including Dr. Victoria Ensinu Vitashie, Global Development Paramount Queen Mother of Ghana, and Mr. Richard (Dadzie) Mensah, Founder & Executive Director of RiGAfrica, whose pioneering work in sustainable business development is helping shape Ghana’s future.

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This symposium will provide a platform for dialogue, networking, and collaboration, highlighting practical ways San Diego and Tema can strengthen ties and foster innovative solutions in education, business, and community development.

Together, we will build upon the strong foundation of nearly five decades of exchange, ensuring that our Sister City partnership continues to grow, inspire, and deliver impact for generations to come.

Dr.-Victoria-Ensinu-Vitashie
Dr. Victoria Ensinu Vitashie

Global Development Paramount
Queen Mother, Ghana

Dr. Vitashie is a distinguished business leader and traditional Queen Mother who bridges global networks with local impact. As CEO of Westline Meridian Ltd., she has extensive experience in imports/exports, financial engineering, and international trade alliances. She is also the recipient of the Global Influence Leadership Award (Cape Town, 2021) for her outstanding contributions to women’s leadership and economic development. Her work demonstrates how cultural heritage and modern business innovation can intersect to inspire lasting change.

Richard-Mensah
Richard Mensah

Founder & CEO
RiGAfrica, LTD

Richard is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader shaping Ghana’s business landscape. Through RiGAfrica, he is pioneering sustainable solutions such as waste-to-energy initiatives that convert coconut waste into charcoal briquettes, creating jobs while improving environmental sustainability. With a multidisciplinary background and international experience, Richard is committed to catalyzing economic growth through innovation and community empowerment.

Mr.-Frank-Asante
Mr. Frank Asante

Public Relations & International Affairs Officer
Tema Metropolitan Assembly

For more than 18 years, Frank has been the anchor of the San Diego–Tema Sister City relationship. He has been instrumental in building partnerships, coordinating delegations, and ensuring that San Diego visitors to Ghana feel welcomed and connected. His deep understanding of international relations and local governance makes him a trusted resource in advancing community-based initiatives and strengthening global ties.

By sdyscsadmin
AdobeStock_132335473-scaled
Economic DevelopmentSustainability
April 10, 2025

RiGAfrica: Turning Coconut Waste into Fuel

At our upcoming Economic Development Symposium: Focus Ghana (May 22–25, 2025), we’re highlighting practical, job-creating innovation. Richard Mensah, Founder & CEO of RiGAfrica, will share how converting coconut waste into charcoal briquettes can help Tema reduce landfill burden, provide a cleaner household and commercial fuel, and create new employment opportunities across the value chain—from collection and processing to distribution.
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Why this matters

  • Clean & practical: Briquettes burn efficiently and can lower reliance on traditional wood charcoal.

  • Local jobs: Youth and small enterprises can participate in waste collection, pressing, packaging, and sales.

  • Circular economy: Diverts organic waste, cuts emissions, and keeps value creation in community.

Hear it at the Symposium

Join city leaders, educators, and business partners from San Diego and Tema as we explore scalable models for sustainability, skills training, and cross-border partnerships.

Dates: May 22–25, 2025
Host: San Diego–Tema Sister City Society
Inquiries/RSVP: sdtema.sistercity@gmail.com

By sdyscsadmin
UG18-PDF-26
EducationPartnerships
January 15, 2025

University of San Diego Exploring Teacher Exchange

San Diego–Tema Sister City Society is supporting a new academic partnership as the University of San Diego (USD) explores a teacher exchange with the University of Ghana in the Greater Accra Region. Led by Niki Elliott, PhD—Director of the Center for Embodied Equity & Neurodiversity at USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES)—the initiative focuses on inclusive teaching practices and support for learners with disabilities.

The exchange aims to connect educators across San Diego and Tema/Accra to share best practices, co-develop classroom strategies, and strengthen capacity for student-centered, culturally responsive instruction.

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What’s in scope

  • Site visit & discovery in Accra to meet with University of Ghana faculty and local education leaders.

  • Program design for a two-way teacher exchange (visiting scholars, guest lectures, and classroom observations).

  • Focus on inclusion: research and sharing of methods for teaching students with learning differences.

  • Logistics planning: housing, campus access, and educator support while in-country.

  • Resource mapping: where USD can assist Ghanaian partners with training and materials.

Why it matters

This collaboration advances our Sister City mission in education—building practical bridges that improve outcomes for students, create professional growth for teachers, and deepen US–Ghana academic ties through sustained exchange rather than one-off visits.

Next steps

  • Finalize scope and timelines with University of Ghana counterparts.

  • Identify participating educators and host departments.

  • Outline funding needs and community sponsorship opportunities.

Educators or partners interested in participating or supporting the exchange:
📧 sdtema.sistercity@gmail.com • 🌐 sandiegotema.org

By sdyscsadmin
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Community ImpactYouth Programs
October 2, 2024

Aspire Beyond the Girl Child Foundation Workshop

A

s part of our September 2024 mission, the San Diego–Tema Sister City Society partnered with Elizabeth Adoma Benyarko, founder of Aspire Beyond the Girl Child Foundation, to deliver menstrual hygiene education, family planning, and adolescent health support for students in Tema and Kumasi.

In total, 173 senior high school students participated in interactive sessions covering menstrual health, dignity and hygiene, safe practices, and access to support resources. Programming engaged both girls and boys, helping reduce stigma while building practical knowledge students can use at home and in their communities.

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Thanks to community supporters—including the Mary F. Handy Women’s Missionary Society (Bethel AME Church)—we provided health materials and gift packages that reinforced the lessons and encouraged ongoing wellness conversations with families and peers.

This initiative advances our Sister City mission in education, health, and youth development, and lays groundwork for continued collaboration with local NGOs and schools across Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

Want to help us expand this work?
📧 sdtema.sistercity@gmail.com • 🌐 temasistercity.org • Donate via Zelle: sdtema.sistercity@gmail.com

By sdyscsadmin
trademission-
EventsPartnerships
September 29, 2024

Trade & Mission Trip to Tema – September 2024

Our President/Executive Director Marnyce McKell traveled to Ghana (Sept 8–22, 2024) on a personal trade & mission trip to strengthen partnerships and invite speakers for the upcoming 49th Anniversary & Economic Development Symposium: Focus Ghana (May 22–25, 2025).

What we accomplished

Delegation & speakers: Invitations extended to professional business leaders, including Dr. Victoria Ensinu Vitashie and Richard Mensah (RiGAfrica), in coordination with Tema Metropolitan Assembly (Frank Asante).

Themes shaped: Identified priority topics for the 2025 symposium—sustainable energy & circular economy, SME partnerships, and education/exchange pathways.

Logistics groundwork: Venue and scoping meetings in Tema, host family/business visits, and early sponsorship conversations.

Community impact during the trip

As the mission component of the journey, Marnyce partnered with Aspire Beyond the Girl Child Foundation (founded by Elizabeth Adoma Benyarko, Kumasi). Together they held adolescent health workshops on menstrual hygiene, family planning, and sex education—reaching 173 senior high students across Tema and Kumasi.
→ Read the full recap: “September 2024 Mission: Health Workshops with Aspire Beyond the Girl Child Foundation.”

What’s next

  • Confirm 2025 speaker lineup and session tracks

  • Finalize hosting & sponsorship packages

  • Publish travel guidance for visiting Ghanaian delegates

By sdyscsadmin