Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Japan, following high level engagements aimed at expanding trade, investment, and development partnerships between the two countries.
The discussions, held on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, brought together senior Japanese government officials, diplomats, and representatives of Japanese investor groups.
Professor Opoku Agyemang met Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kunimitsu Ayano, alongside the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, and members of Japanese business associations.
The Ghanaian delegation included Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Sampson Ahi. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through diplomacy, trade, and partnerships anchored on mutual benefit.
During the engagement, the Vice President extended Ghana’s congratulations to Sanae Takaichi on her historic appointment as Japan’s first female Prime Minister. She described the development as a milestone for Japan and an inspiration for women in leadership globally.
She also reaffirmed Ghana’s respect for Japan’s democratic institutions and expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to deepen under the new leadership. The discussions took place as Ghana and Japan prepare to mark several important milestones in 2027.
These include one hundred years since the work of renowned Japanese medical researcher Dr Hideyo Noguchi began in Ghana, seventy years of formal diplomatic relations, and fifty years of the presence of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in the country.
Professor Opoku Agyemang noted that these anniversaries reflect a long history of cooperation rooted in development, education, health, and people to people exchanges.
She emphasized that the upcoming milestones present an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while charting a forward looking agenda that responds to current economic realities. According to her, Ghana is keen to build on the foundation of trust and collaboration to advance partnerships that are more strategic, inclusive, and results oriented.
Against the backdrop of renewed confidence in Ghana’s economic outlook, the Vice President said the government is seeking to expand economic cooperation in a manner that reflects reciprocity. She explained that true diplomacy must deliver tangible benefits for citizens of both countries and not remain confined to goodwill alone.
This approach, she said, aligns with the government’s broader Reset Agenda, which prioritizes productivity, investment, and sustainable growth. Professor Opoku Agyemang recalled President Mahama’s visit to Japan last year, during which he reiterated that Ghana is open for business again.
Building on that message, she told the Japanese delegation that Ghana is ready to work closely with Japanese companies to develop partnerships that support industrial growth, technology transfer, and job creation. She stressed that the government welcomes Japanese expertise and investment across priority sectors of the economy.
A key focus of her remarks was Ghana’s commitment to value addition and domestic processing of natural resources. She said Ghana is determined to move beyond the export of raw materials by developing local industries that add value, build skills, and create sustainable employment.
According to her, partnerships that support industrialization and skills development are essential to achieving long-term economic transformation. The Vice President also highlighted the importance of continuous review and adaptation in an evolving global environment.
She noted that global economic conditions are changing rapidly, driven by technological advances, shifting trade patterns, and geopolitical uncertainties. To remain competitive, she said Ghana must regularly assess its policies and operations to close gaps and unlock new opportunities for growth.
In her engagement with Japanese investors, Professor Opoku Agyemang underscored the importance of balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships. She said Ghana values Japanese investment and is committed to creating an enabling environment that allows businesses to thrive.
At the same time, she emphasized the need to expand opportunities for Ghanaian enterprises to access the Japanese market and build commercial presence there. According to her, strengthening Ghanaian participation in international markets will enhance resilience and support the growth of local firms.
She expressed the hope that future cooperation would place greater emphasis on joint ventures, market access, and knowledge sharing, thereby deepening economic ties beyond traditional aid and investment models.
Japanese officials welcomed the reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to partnership and acknowledged the long standing relationship between the two countries. They expressed interest in exploring new areas of cooperation, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, infrastructure, and human capital development.
The engagement reflects Ghana’s broader diplomatic strategy of leveraging international partnerships to support national development objectives. By engaging Japan at a high level, the government aims to attract quality investment, strengthen trade relations, and promote sustainable development outcomes.
As Ghana and Japan look ahead to significant shared milestones, both sides signaled a willingness to deepen collaboration in ways that reflect shared values and mutual interests.
For Ghana, the discussions form part of ongoing efforts to reposition the economy, strengthen global partnerships, and deliver inclusive growth that benefits citizens.
The Vice President concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s readiness to work with Japan in building a future defined by shared prosperity, innovation, and enduring friendship. She said the government remains committed to partnerships that are balanced, forward looking, and anchored in the long standing ties between the two nations.
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