Two agreements between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ghanaian government have been signed. These agreements will help Ghana construct a flyover at the Tema Interchange and also make available scholarship opportunities to some Ghanaians.
The monetary aid for the Improvement of the Tema Motorway Roundabout Phase 2 (Detailed Design) project is One Hundred and Nine Million Japanese Yen (JPY 109,000,000.00), which is equivalent to about US$ 1 Million.
On the other hand, the amount of the aid for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) program was Two Hundred and Sixty-three Million Japanese Yen (JPY 263,000,000.00), equivalent to about US$ 2.4 Million.
The Tema Interchange Project, a flyover augment the already completed phase 1 interchange project to reduce excessive traffic congestion on that stretch. The construction will also improve the movement of logistics from and to Tema port, which will boost trade among Ghana and her neighbouring countries.
Next year, 2021 the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) program will aim at supporting the development of human capital in Ghana. The project specifically targets highly efficient, young government officials who will be supported to enhance the formulation and implementation of development plans that will improve the economic and social condition of Ghanaians. The project will also focus on developing the leadership qualities in these scholars.
The agreements were signed via a virtual signing ceremony by the Minister for Finance of the Republic of Ghana, Ken Ofori-Atta. Mr and the Chief Representative of JICA Ghana Office, Yasumichi ARAKI.
Before the agreements were signed, a short diplomatic exchange between the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana H.E. Mr. Tsutomu HIMENO, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Charles Owiredu.
The project which focusus on improving the Tema Interchange entails a blue print to construct a flyover at the newly constructed Tema Interchange.
Inclusive in the plan is the procurement of a consultant, detailed design study and preparatory works for the construction works.
The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) started in 2012. Through the scholarship scheme 78 JDS fellows have been dispatched from Ghana to Japan under this program.
Next year, 13 young and promising Ghanaian government officials will get the scholarships to further their education in doctorate and master’s degrees at Japanese universities.
These scholars will focus on Agriculture, Economics, Energy, Health, Public Administration and Public Financial Management as their research areas.
JICA’s Continuous Support for Ghana
Since 1963, JICA has provided support to Ghana in several areas including health, road, electricity, agriculture, industry, education, governance and other significant sectors under the scheme of Yen Loans, Grant Aid, and Technical Cooperation.
Total accumulated value is approximately JPY 136.3 billion (USD 1,265 million), JPY 116.8 billion (USD 1,084 million), and JPY 60.6 billion (USD 562 million) respectively (JFY2018).
Especially, in the road sector, JICA funded construction/rehabilitation of 730km of road, 26 of bridge, and 2 ports. Also two road projects are currently underway; a loan project for the Construction of a New Bridge across the Volta River, amounting to JPY 11.239 Billion (USD 104 million), and a grant aid project for rehabilitation of National Trunk Road N8 (Phase 2), amounting to JPY 6.486 Billion (USD 60 million). More than 4000 Ghanaians have benefited from training in Japan.
