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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-07-045 - Update - FCM International Partnership - Kumasi, Ghanai ..~.._ - - ,~`~~~ 1 (~ffi~: REPORT Report To: Mayor Carl Zehr and Members of Council Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s~ Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: September 17, 2007 Carla Ladd, CAO Carla Ladd, CAO September 10, 2007 CAO-07-045 Subject: UPDATE: FCM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP - KUMASI, GHANA RECOMMENDATION: For Information EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On May 8, 2006 Council supported the development of a new partnership with Kumasi, Ghana through the FCM International Partnership Program. Council's approval in principle requires `the details of the partnership to come forward to Council in the form of an agreement', once developed. While an agreement has not yet been developed, the details of the exploratory mission have very recently been confirmed by FCM and Kumasi. It is expected that this first mission will result in an agreement for partnership details and as such, the following information is being provided to Council as an update. REPORT: The first mission to Ghana is scheduled for October 22 -November 1, 2007. The purpose of this mission is to discuss areas of professional and technical support that Kumasi will be seeking from the City of Kitchener. At a very preliminary level, we understand that Kumasi has an interest in four broad areas: Economic Development (primary} Planning Capacity building for City Officials both in regards to planning and management Strengthening local governance Discussions between Kumasi and Kitchener will be assisted by representatives from both FCM and NALAG (National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana) to ensure program goals are reasonable and realistic and in keeping with the intent of the partnership program objectives. At the conclusion of the mission, it is expected that either a draft or final protocol between the two cities will be developed which will set out specific program details, the length of the program and the number of missions which will occur over the course of the program. It is this protocol that becomes the formal agreement and as such, will be presented to Council at the conclusion of the first mission. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Funding for the program is provided by FCM/CIDA which covers all direct costs related to travel, accommodation and living expenses. Support from the City is provided by way of providing staff time. COMMUNICATIONS: None at this time. Carla Ladd, CAO