City of Fredericksburg Declares “Fredericksburg-Ghana’s Friendship Day”

The City of Fredericksburg declared 6 th March, the Independence Day of the Republic of Ghana, as Fredericksburg-Ghana’s Friendship Day at a ceremony held at the St. George Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall in Fredericksburg, Commonwealth of Virginia, on
Wednesday, 6 th March, 2024.

The Mayor of Fredericksburg, Kerry P. Devine, read a Proclamation by the City
Council declaring 6 th March as Fredericksburg-Ghana’s Friendship Day and thereafter presented the citation plaque to Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States (copy of citation attached).

The ceremony was attended by Staff of the Embassy, Fredericksburg City Council
officials, residents of Fredericksburg, Ghanaians in the Diaspora and friends of Ghana.

The ceremony highlighted the historic and important relationship between Fredericksburg and Ghana over the centuries, including a Sister Relationship between Princes Town, Ahanta West
Municipal Assembly in the Western Region of Ghana, and Fredericksburg in Virginia, USA.

Dr. Paula Royster, the founder of the Princes Town-Fredericksburg Sister City relationship, who has been instrumental in fostering cultural exchanges, understanding, educational opportunities, and economic development between the two communities, gave a
deep insight into the historical connections between parts of Ghana and Fredericksburg.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Alima Mahama conveyed the gratitude of the Government of Ghana for the recognition of Ghana’s Independence Day as Day of Friendship in Fredericksburg. She spoke briefly on the cherished bonds of friendship between Ghana and the United States and assured the Mayor that the citation will be mounted in a place of
prominence at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC.

Mrs. Pamela Bridgewater, a distinguished career diplomat who served as the
Ambassador of the United States to Ghana from 2005 to 2008, who also happens to be a native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was instrumental in organizing the celebration. She provided artifacts, and books on Ghana and shared some souvenirs including miniature Ghana flags at an exhibition that was mounted at the event.

Source: Ghana Embassy, DC