By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Ghana and Japan have taken significant steps to deepen their long-standing bilateral relations following high-level engagements between officials of both countries, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the Foreign Affairs Minister described the recent visit of Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ayano Kunimitsu, as highly substantive and mutually beneficial.
The Japanese State Minister led an impressive 35-member business delegation to Ghana, underscoring Japan’s strong interest in expanding economic cooperation with Ghana.
Hon. Ablakwa noted that he, together with Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, was delighted to welcome the delegation, with engagements resulting in strategic partnerships with Ghanaian companies, commitments to increase Japanese investment, and enhanced access for Ghanaian products to the Japanese market.
As part of the growing economic cooperation, Japanese automobile manufacturing companies are expected to expand their operations in Ghana, including the establishment of additional branches, a move expected to boost industrial growth and job creation.
The Minister further revealed that Ghana and Japan have initiated steps to operationalize cooperation in space technology and artificial intelligence (AI). This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Hon. Ablakwa during his participation in TICAD 9 in Japan, signaling a forward-looking partnership in emerging technologies.
Discussions also focused on strengthening value addition in Ghana’s cocoa sector, with particular attention to enhancing the presence and success of the iconic Ghana Chocolate brand in the Japanese market.
Looking ahead, Hon. Ablakwa highlighted that 2025 will mark three significant milestones in Ghana–Japan relations:
70 years of bilateral diplomatic relations,
100 years since the historic public health contributions and ultimate sacrifice of
Dr. Hideyo Noguchi in Ghana, and
50 years of Japan Overseas Cooperation (JOC) Volunteers in Ghana.
Reaffirming Ghana’s appreciation of the partnership, the Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that Ghana deeply values its excellent and enduring relations with Japan, rooted in mutual respect, shared development goals, and people-to-people cooperation.
“We deeply value our excellent Ghana–Japan relations,” Hon. Ablakwa stated, as both countries continue to build a stronger, future-oriented partnership.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
