President John Dramani Mahama’s working visit to Japan and participation in the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) has delivered what government officials describe as “tangible outcomes” for Ghana in infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and industrial development.
According Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudjato Ablakwa the visit has revived and initiated several major projects, including the long-delayed Volivo to Dorfor Adidome Bridge across the Volta River, with both governments committing to provide the additional funding required for immediate construction.
In addition, the Kumasi Inner City Ring Road Project is expected to commence shortly.
On the industrial front, Toyota signed a new agreement to expand its operations in Ghana, positioning the country as the company’s West African hub.
A separate strategic industrialization partnership has also been arranged, as Japan considers investing US$1.5 billion in Africa in the near term.
President Mahama also oversaw the signing of a groundbreaking space cooperation agreement to leverage space science for Ghana’s development.
Beyond that, Ghana will benefit from the training of 300,000 youth in artificial intelligence, modern agriculture, green transition, tech start-ups, and biotechnology.
Agriculture featured prominently, with Japan committing to support Ghana through advanced scientific research to boost rice production and ensure food security. Ghana has also secured US$100 million for new agricultural projects.
The Foreign Affairs Minister described President Mahama’s leadership at TICAD as inspiring, noting that Ghana chaired two plenary sessions where the President “articulated his bold vision for resetting and transforming Ghana.”
“Ghana is back on the global stage to inspire and strike strategic partnerships for our collective progress,” the Minister said, adding that relations between Ghana and Japan remain strong, nearly a century after Japanese scientist Hideyo Noguchi’s historic ties with Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
