WORCESTER, Mass — On Friday, Ghana's ambassador to the U.S., Hajia Alima Mahama, met with state and local leaders in Worcester as part of a three-day visit to the city. 

Worcester has a higher concentration of Ghanian immigrants than any other city in the U.S., and A=Mahama said she was thrilled to learn about their positive impact within the community. 

"Everyone is saying the Ghanians are good citizens in Worcester, they are contributing to the economic progress of Worcester and they have good relationships all over the place," Mahama said. "I'm very proud!"

Mahama is Ghana's first female ambassador to the U.S., and her roundtable discussion with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday was an occasion that drew in local business owners, university presidents, elected officials and other prominent leaders across the region. 

She exchanged gifts with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who described the local Ghanian community as a hardworking, respectful, smart and participatory population. 

"As the Commonwealth continues to grow in health sciences, life sciences, tech and infrastructure, we need people with skills and abilities to do the jobs and fill the careers that are growing here in the Commonwealth," Polito said. "We want more of your community to be a part of our community."

Worcester Chamber President Tim Murray believes the visit will help reaffirm ties with the roughly 40,000 Ghanian immigrants living in central Massachusetts. 

In the future, Mahama hopes to strengthen economic ties with the region. 

"I am excited that there are Ghanians here who are doing a good job in the workplace, and through them, we can develop these links," Mahama said. 

On Saturday morning, Mahama will meet with Rep. James McGovern before joining Worcester's Ghanian community for a town meeting.