President John Dramani Mahama has announced key discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aimed at strengthening Ghana–Japan cooperation in cocoa processing, strategic infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, President Mahama said, “I met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to advance Ghana–Japan cooperation in three key areas: Cocoa and value addition, Strategic infrastructure and People-to-people ties.”
Highlighting Ghana’s role as a major supplier of cocoa to Japan, the President disclosed that he invited Japanese investment to support local processing. “With Ghana supplying about 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports, we invited Japanese investment and a PPP with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and deepen processing in Ghana,” he noted.
President Mahama also raised the issue of the Volivo Bridge over the Volta Lake, a critical infrastructure project for trade and connectivity. “We discussed the Volivo Bridge over the Volta Lake and expressed appreciation for Japan’s JPY 11.239 billion support (signed in 2016). I reiterated Ghana’s request for additional funding, especially grants, to close the remaining 64% procurement gap and speed delivery of this vital link for moving yams, maize and other produce from the north to markets in the south,” he stated.
The President described cultural and historical ties between Ghana and Japan as enduring, pointing to upcoming milestones. “We noted the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of JOCV in 2027—important milestones in our enduring partnership,” he wrote.
According to President Mahama, Japan reiterated its commitment to support Ghana’s infrastructure development and to address funding gaps in key projects. “Japan reaffirmed its readiness to work with us on infrastructure and to expedite solutions to funding gaps,” he said, adding that the two countries also discussed global cooperation. “We also discussed multilateral cooperation, including support for Japan’s candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for Director General of the UPU International Bureau, and Japan’s positions on UN Security Council reform.”
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the talks, the President wrote: “I am grateful for Japan’s continued friendship and look forward to concrete next steps that deliver jobs, value addition, and connectivity for Ghanaians.”
