Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to strengthen Ghana-Japan cooperation, focusing on cocoa processing, strategic infrastructure, and people-to-people ties, during the TICAD9 summit.
The discussions underscored Ghana’s role as a key partner, supplying 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports.
Mahama proposed a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Cocoa Processing Company, inviting Japanese investment to modernize the plant and enhance value-added processing in Ghana.
He also highlighted the Volivo Bridge project over the Volta Lake, a critical link for transporting yams, maize, and other produce from northern Ghana to southern markets. Mahama expressed gratitude for Japan’s 2016 commitment of JPY 11.239 billion but urged additional funding, particularly grants, to address the remaining 64% procurement gap and expedite completion.
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The leaders celebrated milestones in their bilateral relationship, noting the 2027 centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV).
Japan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s infrastructure needs and addressing funding gaps. The talks also covered multilateral cooperation, with Ghana endorsing Japan’s candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for Director General of the Universal Postal Union’s International Bureau and supporting Japan’s stance on UN Security Council reform.
Mahama expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to deliver jobs, economic value, and improved connectivity for Ghanaians. “I am grateful for Japan’s continued friendship and look forward to concrete next steps,” he said, emphasizing the shared vision for mutual growth.
