Mahama’s Japan visit strengthens Ghana-Japan partnerships – Ablakwa

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to Japan as a historic and inspiring moment, emphasizing the President’s vision for advancing Ghana’s development and strengthening global partnerships.

In a post on his X page, Mr. Ablakwa said the visit reaffirmed Ghana’s position on the world stage and the country’s commitment to forging strategic alliances for collective progress. “Ghana-Japan relations couldn’t be better, 98 years after Noguchi sacrificed his life for the extraordinary love he had for our nation,” he wrote.

During the working visit, several major agreements and initiatives were announced. These included the revival of the Volivo to Dorfor Adidome Bridge project over the Volta River, with both Ghana and Japan agreeing to provide additional funding.

The President also flagged off the Kumasi inner city ring road project, aimed at improving urban mobility and easing congestion in one of Ghana’s largest cities.

President Mahama signed a new agreement with Toyota to expand its operations in Ghana, positioning the country as the company’s West African hub. A landmark space cooperation agreement with Japan was also established to leverage space science and technology for national development.

The President further announced a plan to train 300,000 youth in artificial intelligence, modern agriculture, green transition technologies, tech startups, and biotechnology to equip young Ghanaians with future-ready skills.

The visit also highlighted collaboration in research to boost rice production and enhance food security in the country. Japan is expected to support Ghana in delivering sustainable agricultural solutions and modern practices that will strengthen the nation’s food systems.

Additionally, the two countries are exploring strategic investments to accelerate industrialization, with Japan considering a $1.5 billion investment in Africa in the near term.

Minister Ablakwa described the outcomes as transformative, noting that the visit demonstrated Ghana’s readiness to engage with global partners to create jobs, promote value addition, and enhance national development. He said the engagements reflect the President’s commitment to positioning Ghana as a hub for innovation, investment, and strategic collaboration in the international arena.