Salaga-South MP Courts Russia Partnership for Education, Jobs and Tourism

Hajia Zuwera engages Centre for Public Diplomacy on scholarships, women empowerment, TVET and cultural exchange

The Member of Parliament for Salaga-South Constituency, Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, is seeking to open new international opportunities for her constituents through a strategic partnership with the Russia-based Centre for Public Diplomacy (CPD).

The MP’s engagement with the international non-governmental organisation on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Accra, focused on exploring opportunities in education, skills development, women’s economic empowerment, youth development and tourism.

The meeting, held at the CPD offices in Accra, brought together the MP and the leadership of the organisation, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Krasvoskaia.

At the heart of the discussions was the possibility of connecting young people from Salaga-South to scholarship and student exchange programmes in Russia, with particular emphasis on science and agriculture.

MP targets science education and international scholarships

Hon. Hajia Zuwera said increasing access to science education remained a key priority, stressing the need to motivate more young people in the constituency to pursue science-related disciplines.

She believes international exposure through scholarships and student exchange programmes could equip students with knowledge, skills and networks that would ultimately contribute to the development of Salaga-South.

The MP therefore expressed interest in building a structured partnership with CPD to identify opportunities for qualified students from the constituency, particularly in science and agriculture.

She also linked the initiative to future employment opportunities, arguing that investment in young people’s education and skills could create a stronger human resource base for the constituency.

Women and youth development receive attention

Beyond formal education, the MP also placed women’s economic empowerment and technical skills development high on the agenda.

She highlighted the need to strengthen support for women engaged in petty trading and other small-scale economic activities, while seeking collaboration with CPD to create more sustainable economic opportunities for women.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was equally identified as an important area for partnership.

The proposed collaboration is expected to explore ways of equipping young people with practical and employable skills that can support entrepreneurship, employment and local economic development.

Salaga’s slave-trade history could become tourism asset

The engagement also turned attention to one of Salaga’s most significant but potentially underutilised assets; its history.

Hon. Hajia Zuwera appealed to CPD to support efforts to promote Salaga’s historical and tourism potential, particularly its connection to the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

She argued that Salaga’s historical significance could be transformed into an economic opportunity through increased international visibility, heritage promotion and tourism development.

The MP said exposing Salaga’s history and cultural heritage to the international community could attract researchers, tourists and cultural institutions while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.

CPD commits to scholarship and empowerment agenda

Dr. Natalia Krasvoskaia expressed appreciation to Hon. Hajia Zuwera for her continued support for CPD’s work in Ghana and described the MP as an important development partner.

She reaffirmed CPD’s commitment to working with the MP to facilitate scholarship placements and student exchange opportunities for young people from Salaga-South.

The organisation also pledged support for women’s empowerment initiatives and the advancement of TVET programmes within the constituency.

The commitment signals the potential for a broader international partnership linking Salaga-South to educational, cultural and skills-development opportunities beyond Ghana.

Damba Festival to strengthen Ghana-Russia cultural ties.

As part of efforts to deepen the emerging relationship, Hon. Hajia Zuwera announced plans to invite CPD and the Department of Russian Culture to this year’s Damba Festival in Salaga.

The festival will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the enskinment of Yiram Kpembewura Banbange Ndefoso IV, Paramount Chief of the Kpembe Traditional Area.

The MP said the celebration would provide an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage, history and tourism potential of Salaga while creating a platform for strengthening cultural relations and future cooperation between Ghana and Russia.

She also thanked CPD for its participation in the official launch of her Educational, Youth and Women Empowerment Funds last year.

A new window of opportunity for Salaga-South

The engagement concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership focused on education, cultural exchange, women’s empowerment, youth development and sustainable socio-economic growth.

For Salaga-South, the proposed partnership could open a new window to international educational opportunities while strengthening local efforts to develop human capital, empower women, equip young people with practical skills and promote the constituency’s historical heritage. The partnership, if translated into concrete programmes, could therefore provide Salaga-South with an important link between local development priorities and international opportunities.