The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has underscored the importance of education diplomacy as a driver of Ghana’s development.
He made the call at the launch of a groundbreaking partnership between his office and Tennessee-based charity, Journey to Destiny Ministries (JTDM), in the United States.
The initiative will provide more than 2.4 million African American students—particularly from nearly 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—the opportunity to reconnect with their Ghanaian heritage through internships and cultural exchanges.
Structured into 10-, 14-, and 30-day sessions, the program offers specialized tracks in education, science, and volunteerism. Participants will pay a highly subsidized fee covering accommodation, transportation, and tourism during their stay in Ghana.
Launched under the theme “Building Bridges: Education, Compassion & Global Impact,” the program aims to create a platform for African American and Ghanaian students to engage in meaningful cross-cultural learning.
The launch, held in Southaven, Mississippi, drew African American students, Ghanaian students studying in the U.S., and heads of HBCUs.
Felicia Foster, Founder and President of Journey to Destiny Ministries, explained the vision:
“We’re targeting our HBCU students because, many times, our African American students lack the resources or opportunities. We plan to bring in nursing practitioners and midwifery students to Ghana to provide training in best practices, so that students in Ghana can learn from our students here in the U.S. This will be a true partnership, as we also want students from Ghana to come to America.”
Dr. Agyemang, who was given a rousing welcome at Memphis Airport by Ghanaian students for his contributions to education, described the initiative as a powerful tool for national development.
“We have an opportunity to engage the diaspora and allow everyone to contribute to this cause. Through this partnership, destiny is set to be achieved! The euphoria and excitement you witness as you travel across the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. clearly demonstrate that this initiative is being met with great passion,” he said.
He added that Ghanaian universities will have a chance to showcase themselves globally, with the first cohort expected to be hosted at Kibi Presbyterian College of Education in Abuakwa South.
“Ghana is ready. The pilot program will start in the Abuakwa South Constituency at the Kibi Presbyterian College of Education. Many more will follow, and we will expand beyond the constituency to bring other colleges and universities on board. Culture and education are the way to go! Let’s use education diplomacy as a strong catalyst for development.”
The initiative has already sparked excitement among African American students eager to visit Ghana.
“I am so excited about this experience. I have never been out of the country before and I am planning on going,” said a 19-year-old LeMoyne-Owen College student.
Another student from the University of Tennessee added, “The hands-on experience that we have been looking for is here now!”
Ghanaian students studying in Memphis also welcomed the program. Ellen Agyei Breffour, a master’s student at the University of Memphis, said it would help correct misconceptions:
“American students traveling to Abuakwa South Constituency for internships gives them the opportunity to see what is truly out there. Their whole impression of us will change when they realize that we have developed communities, strong educational systems, and even good funding opportunities.”
LeMoyne-Owen College President, Dr. Christopher Davis, highlighted the cultural significance:
“When we look at this exchange program with Ghana, it is a rare opportunity for us to go to a place, a space where we truly feel at home, because we are!”
Rev. Dr. Charles Fosu Ayarkwah, Principal of Kibi Presbyterian College of Education, which will host the first group of interns, said the partnership would be mutually beneficial.
“It is also a huge advantage for us because we have the chance to learn from their best practices. In the future, our students will also have the opportunity to come here and participate in these practices.”
The program’s website (www.journeytodestinyministries.org/copy-of-journey-centers) is already active, with students in Ghana and the U.S. exploring available internship packages.
Journey to Destiny Ministries is a global, faith-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity, hope, and purpose to vulnerable children, women, and families. Board members Sherita and Anna expressed optimism about the partnership and urged Ghanaian universities to embrace it fully.
University authorities in Ghana, the U.S., and beyond have been encouraged to take advantage of the program to broaden their students’ perspectives and prepare them for global opportunities.
Source: Adomonline
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