The United States of America remains one of the preferred destinations for many Ghanaians, especially the youth seeking educational and work opportunities.

It is not surprising that over 6,400 students are reported to have studied in the US in the last academic year, according to the 2023 Open Doors Report.

The figure represents a more than 30% increase on the previous year which saw over 4,000 individuals.

But in expanding its presence and providing more opportunities for Ghanaians, the U.S. Embassy has commissioned another information space in the Ashanti region.

Known as the American Corner, the space joins two existing American spaces in the national capital, Accra and over 600 spaces in 140 countries globally.

The facility will provide free resources like WiFi, computer access, and engaging programmes on science and technology, women empowerment, studying in the US and entrepreneurship. 

Opening the new facility, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, emphasised the commitment of her country to contribute to shaping the future of Ghana.

She believes the establishment would cement ties between the two countries and ensure bilateral exchanges.

“We believe in empowering young Ghanaians to take the lead in shaping the future of Ghana and to deepen their friendship with the people of the U.S.

"Young people across Ghana are working every day to make a difference - By promoting economic opportunity, political participation, public health, peace and community building,” she said.

Ambassador Palmer explained the essence of choosing the “Garden City” as the location for the new centre.

“It’s not by chance that we chose Kumasi as our first space outside of Accra. The Ashanti region has often been called the heartland of West Africa.

"The home to numerous important universities, businesses and even historic ties to the US. The city is full of new ideas and innovation.

"We’re also proud to have a vibrant community of alumni from our U.S. government exchange programmes here,” she said.

In 2022, the American Center and American Corner in Accra hosted more than 30,000 participants in an online, hybrid and in-person programme.

The education centre focused on developing working skills for the fourth industrial revolution, STEM learning, entrepreneurship, education and media literacy.

Enthused about the development, Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Pyne revealed plans for educational exchanges between the two countries.

Already, some schools have established exchange programmes with universities within the region.

“Universities in the U.S. want Ghanaian students because the Ghanaians usually show conduct that management of the universities want their students to emulate.

"We are at the preliminary stages to get more students to have exchanges at some universities in the U.S.,” he said.