President John Dramani Mahama has called for deeper cooperation between Ghana and Japan, emphasizing investment in cocoa processing, strategic infrastructure, and stronger people-to-people ties.
The President made the appeal during bilateral talks with Japan’s Prime Minister, Ishiba Shigeru, on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) on Wednesday, August 20.
In a Facebook post after the meeting, President Mahama revealed that discussions focused on three key areas—value addition to cocoa, major infrastructure projects, and cultural and educational exchanges.
He highlighted Ghana’s pivotal role in Japan’s cocoa supply chain, noting that the country accounts for about 70 percent of Japan’s cocoa imports.
“I met with the Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to advance Ghana–Japan cooperation in three key areas: Cocoa and value addition, Strategic infrastructure and People-to-people ties. With Ghana supplying about 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports, we invited Japanese investment and a PPP with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and deepen processing in Ghana,” Mahama disclosed.
On infrastructure, Mahama revisited Ghana’s partnership with Japan on the Volivo Bridge project over the Volta Lake.
He expressed gratitude for Japan’s earlier support of JPY 11.239 billion, signed in 2016, but stressed the urgent need for additional funding to close the 64 percent procurement gap to speed up delivery of the bridge.
The project, he said, is vital for moving agricultural produce—particularly yams and maize—from northern Ghana to markets in the south.
“We discussed the Volivo Bridge over the Volta Lake and expressed appreciation for Japan’s JPY 11.239 billion support (signed in 2016). I reiterated Ghana’s request for additional funding, especially grants, to close the remaining 64% procurement gap and speed delivery of this vital link for moving yams, maize and other produce from the north to markets in the south.”
The talks also touched on upcoming milestones in 2027, including the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana, the 60th anniversary of Ghana–Japan diplomatic relations, and the 50th anniversary of JICA volunteers’ service in the country.
Mahama further reaffirmed Ghana’s appreciation for Japan’s consistent support through TICAD, noting that Japan’s partnership continues to deliver jobs, infrastructure, and investment opportunities for Ghanaians.
Both leaders also exchanged views on international cooperation, with Mahama pledging Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Japan on global issues, including UN Security Council reform.
Accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza, and Senior Adviser Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Mahama is expected to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Thursday before delivering Ghana’s statement at the TICAD 9 plenary.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
