By Post Staff

On the heels of a groundbreaking trip to the United Kingdom, Oakland Post Ambassador Jonathan Fitness Jones, a member of the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG), and global ambassador Dr. Maritony Jones, founder of LIFH and Maritony & Associates, have successfully laid the foundation for two new sister cities, representing a monumental stride in Oakland’s efforts for global unity and peace.

From Oct. 8-17, spearheaded by Jones, the pair visited Bolton in Greater Manchester and London to solidify sister-city relationships and explore economic and cultural possibilities. They were hosted by Bolton leaders and business partners Dr. Ronnie and Constance Chikwama.

Through a series of meetings, they explored opportunities in community development, mental health, labor, youth engagement, and several investments. The Bolton business community was enthusiastic about the tie-up, already planning youth programs for the coming year and looking forward to the formation of Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International (OBSCI).

Bolton youths planning next year’s Kingdom Youth Bootcamp in the UK and are excited to host Oakland youth. In return, Oakland is geared to welcome youth from Bolton, whose families have immigrated primarily from Zimbabwe, Jamaica and various African nations.

The Joneses also visited Bolton’s urban and rural areas, malls, markets, transportation, restaurants, local shops and landmarks like Bolton Town Hall in Victoria Square. They also visited different parts of Manchester.

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(L-R) Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones, Dr. Maritony Jones, Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa) in London England (UK) discussing Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International

(L-R) Dr. Ronnie Chikwama, Constance Chikwama, Dr. Maritony Jones, Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones in Chinatown, Manchester England (UK) after Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International meetings

A pivotal part of the trip was meeting with Queen Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa), spouse of King Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III of the Sanzule Kingdom in Ghana.

They discussed the Sanzule Kingdom’s role in the newly formed “Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International” (OGSCI) and creating the partnership to strengthen economic opportunities and deepen cultural understanding.

The Sanzule Kingdom, which is part of the Greater Nzema Kingdom became the first African nation to free themselves from the British Empire and then went on to establish the democracy and government of Ghana.

Nana Ofei, who invited Mr. and Dr. Jones to London, introduced them to some of her Ghanaian royal family members and took them to the Speakers’ Corner which is located in London’s Hyde Park, a stone’s throw from Marble Arch and Oxford Street shops.

Historic figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, Marcus Garvey, and Lord Donald Soper all came here and joined the common man, and occasionally woman, to give public speeches. The Joneses also visited Buckingham Palace and explored the heart of British culture and lifestyle during the annual London Art Week.

In summary, the Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities Int. (OBSCI) and Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities Int. (OGSCI) initiative aims to foster economic development and entrepreneurship; empower youth and women; strengthen cultural and historical bonds; promote peace and mutual understanding; capture the wisdom of elders, and promote tourism and sports for both communities.

“Together, we have the opportunity to build a remarkable bond that transcends borders, uplifting both communities and contributing to a more harmonious world,” Jonathan Fitness Jones said.

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