Ghana-Japan Ties Strengthened: President Mahama and PM Ishiba Forge New Partnerships
Japan – August 21, 2025 - A landmark meeting between President Mahama and Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has taken Ghana-Japan relations to new heights, with significant progress made in three pivotal areas: cocoa value chain development, strategic infrastructure projects, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.
This high-level dialogue represents a major milestone in fortifying the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
With Ghana supplying about 70% of Japan's cocoa imports, President Mahama invited Japanese investment and proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and deepen processing in Ghana. This move aims to add value to Ghana's cocoa industry, creating jobs and increasing the country's economic benefits.
The leaders discussed the Volta Lake bridge project, a vital link that will facilitate the transportation of yams, maize, and other produce from the north to markets in the south. President Mahama expressed appreciation for Japan's JPY 11.239 billion support, signed in 2016, and requested additional funding, especially grants, to close the remaining 64% procurement gap. Japan reaffirmed its readiness to work with Ghana on infrastructure development and expedite solutions to funding gaps.
The two leaders noted the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi's arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in 2027, highlighting the importance of these milestones in the Ghana-Japan partnership. These celebrations will serve as a testament to the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.
President Mahama and PM Ishiba also discussed multilateral cooperation, including support for Japan's candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for Director General of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Bureau. Japan's positions on UN Security Council reform were also on the agenda.
President Mahama expressed gratitude for Japan's continued friendship and looked forward to concrete next steps that deliver jobs, value addition, and connectivity for Ghanaians.
Source – Lead News Online/Leticia Okpoti
