Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that Japanese car manufacturing companies are set to expand their operations in Ghana, following renewed economic and diplomatic engagements between Accra and Tokyo.
The Minister described recent discussions with Japan as “very substantive and mutually beneficial,” highlighting the successful visit of Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ayano Kunimitsu, who led a 35-member Japanese business delegation to Ghana.
“It’s been very substantive and mutually beneficial hosting and working with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ayano Kunimitsu, who led an impressive 35-member Japanese business delegation to Ghana,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
He noted that the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, joined him in welcoming the delegation, underscoring the importance Ghana attaches to its growing partnership with Japan.
According to the Minister, engagements between the two sides have resulted in strategic partnerships with Ghanaian companies, commitments to increase Japanese investment in Ghana, and expanded access for Ghanaian products to the Japanese market.
“Our engagements have led to strategic partnerships with Ghanaian companies, an agreement to increase Japanese investment in Ghana and more access to the Japanese market,” he stated.
A key outcome of the discussions is the planned expansion of Japanese car manufacturing companies in Ghana, with more branches expected to be opened to deepen their presence in the local market.
Beyond the automotive sector, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that Ghana and Japan have begun steps to implement cooperation in space technology and artificial intelligence, following a Memorandum of Understanding he signed during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Japan.
“We have initiated steps to execute our cooperation in space technology and AI following the MoU I signed in Japan when I attended TICAD 9,” he said.
The Minister added that talks also focused on boosting value addition in Ghana’s cocoa sector, with the aim of further strengthening the popularity of the Ghana Chocolate brand in Japan.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana and Japan will next year mark three major milestones: 70 years of bilateral relations, 100 years since the sacrifice of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi in Ghana during his yellow fever research, and 50 years of Japan Overseas Cooperation (JOC) Volunteers.
He described these anniversaries as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
