The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, held a high-level bilateral meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Kunimitsu Ayano, to discuss deepening trade and investment cooperation. Dr. Ayano is currently on a working visit to Ghana accompanied by a significant business delegation representing thirty-five Japanese companies, a move intended to foster stronger private-sector partnerships between the two nations.
During the discussions, Mr. Ablakwa commended Japan for its enduring partnership and praised Japanese companies for their resilience during Ghana’s recent period of economic volatility. Highlighting Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook, including currency stabilization and declining inflation under the current IMF program, the Minister invited further Japanese investment. He specifically pointed to the government’s focus on industrialization, value addition, and export-led growth as key areas for collaboration. Mr. Ablakwa also addressed the vital cocoa trade, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to revitalizing production through farm rehabilitation and enhanced extension services to ensure a steady, high-quality supply to the Japanese market.
The meeting also served as a planning session for 2027, a year that will mark three major milestones in the bilateral relationship: the 100th anniversary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana, the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program, and the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. Both ministers agreed to use these upcoming anniversaries to celebrate their shared history while exploring new sectors for cooperation.
Dr. Ayano expressed her gratitude for the reception and emphasized the importance of maintaining a predictable and investor-friendly business environment to support Japanese firms operating in the region. The potential for technical advancement was further highlighted by Yuya Nakamura, CEO of Axelspace, who discussed how emerging technologies like space technology could be leveraged to support Ghana’s goals in agriculture and climate resilience. Mr. Ablakwa concluded the meeting by reiterating Ghana’s commitment to science and innovation as primary drivers of national development.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
