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Former mayor reports on Ghana sister‑city visit; council directs staff to form welcoming committee
Summary
Former Mayor Will Urschel summarized a recent delegation trip to Ghana, described cultural exchanges including a ceremonial stool gift, and recommended a city committee to host return visits. Council voted to direct staff to develop a welcoming/sister‑city committee.
Will Urschel, former mayor of Xenia, told the City Council on Jan. 8 that a brief delegation signed sister‑city documents with the Abura‑Cebu district in Ghana and received ceremonial gifts during a silver jubilee celebration.
Urschel said the delegation met with the district chief executive and a paramount chief and learned the trip deepened understanding of local governance and culture. "I'll just mention also that that trip was funded by us individually," Urschel said, noting no city funds were used for travel. He described the ceremonial stool presented to the city as "a big deal for the people in Ghana," explaining it symbolizes traditional authority.
City Manager Merriman told council the relationship was formalized at the district level because the sister‑city program requires agreements with civil governments. Merriman recommended a local body to sustain the relationship and coordinate visits and exchanges.
Council took non‑controversial procedural action to direct staff to work with Urschel on a city welcoming committee. The motion to direct staff carried on a roll call vote of the full council.
The committee is expected to include community stakeholders, Merriman said, and staff will return with recommendations on membership and a charter for council consideration. No city funding commitment for future exchanges was approved at the meeting; Urschel and councilmembers discussed displaying the gifted items in a public exhibit.
