In a significant move aimed at strengthening Ghana’s education diplomacy and fostering global connections, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South
In a significant move aimed at strengthening Ghana’s education diplomacy and fostering global connections, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has formalized a landmark partnership with Tennessee-based charity, Journey to Destiny Ministries (JTDM).
The initiative, launched in Southaven, Mississippi, is designed to offer African American students, particularly those from nearly 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), an opportunity to reconnect with their Ghanaian heritage through internships and cultural exchanges.
The program, slated to commence in March 2026, is structured around 10-, 14-, and 30-day sessions covering specialized tracks in education, science, and volunteerism.
Participants will benefit from a highly subsidized package that includes accommodation, transportation, and immersive cultural experiences across Ghana.
The initiative, themed “Building Bridges: Education, Compassion & Global Impact,” aims to foster cross-cultural learning while encouraging collaboration between Ghanaian and American students.
Bridging Cultures Through Education
At the launch event, which attracted African American students, Ghanaian students in the U.S., and heads of HBCUs, Felicia Foster, Founder and President of JTDM, highlighted the program’s objectives.
“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.”
The program reflects a growing recognition of “education tourism” as a driver of development. Dr. Agyemang, who received a warm welcome at Memphis Airport from dozens of Ghanaian students, stressed the potential impact of the initiative:
“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.”
Ghanaian Universities On the Global Stage
The first cohort of interns will be hosted at the Kibi Presbyterian College of Education in the Abuakwa South Constituency.
Dr. Agyemang emphasized that the pilot program would expand to other universities across Ghana.
“Ghana is ready. The pilot program will start at 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.”
Rev. Dr. Charles Fosu Ayarkwah, Principal of Kibi Presbyterian College, welcomed the initiative, noting its potential for mutual learning.
“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.”
Enthusiasm Among Students
The program has already generated significant excitement among both African American and Ghanaian students.
A 19-year-old LeMoyne-Owen College student expressed her anticipation: “I am so excited about this experience, I have never been out of the country before and I am planning on going.”
Another student from the University of Tennessee highlighted the hands-on learning opportunity:
“The hands-on experience that we have been looking for is here now!”
Ghanaian students studying in Memphis universities also welcomed the initiative as a way to reshape perceptions of their homeland.
Ellen Agyei Breffour, a Master’s student at the University of Memphis, remarked:
“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.”
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