Ghana, Japan sign agreement to improve healthcare in Northern Region

Ghana and Japan have signed a US$20 million grant facility to strengthen healthcare delivery in selected hospitals in the Northern Region.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that the agreement was formalised on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.

According to him, the grant forms part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Japan aimed at improving access to quality health services.

“Ghana and Japan today signed a US$20 million grant facility to improve health delivery in selected hospitals in the Northern Region,” Mr. Ablakwa wrote on X.

He disclosed that the exchange of notes was signed alongside the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto.

“Japanese Ambassador to Ghana H. E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto and I signed the exchange of notes at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he stated.

Mr. Ablakwa emphasised that improving access to quality and affordable healthcare remains a key priority of the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama.

“Access to quality and affordable health delivery remains a cardinal deliverable to the Mahama Administration,” he noted.

The Northern Region, like many parts of the country, continues to face challenges in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and service delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

The grant is expected to support the upgrading of facilities and enhance service capacity in selected hospitals across the region.

Beyond the immediate health benefits, the agreement also highlights the longstanding diplomatic and development partnership between Ghana and Japan.

“Ghana and Japan reaffirm our commitment to impactful diplomatic cooperation,” Mr. Ablakwa added.

Japan has historically supported Ghana in areas such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, and health, often through grants, technical cooperation, and concessional financing.

The latest grant facility will further deepen relations between the two countries while contributing to efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in regions where access to specialised medical aid remains limited.