Vice President Opoku-Agyemang holds talks with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has held bilateral talks with the visiting Japanese Foreign Affairs Madam Kunimitsu Ayano in Accra. 

Present at the meeting were Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana and representatives of Japanese investor groups.

They were joined by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr Sampson Ahi, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry. 

A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President said they met to discuss diplomacy, trade, and partnerships based on mutual benefit. 

Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang also took the opportunity to extend her congratulations to Sanae Takaichi, the first female Prime Minister of Japan, and to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the friendship between our two countries. 

Their engagement comes as Ghana and Japan prepare for milestones in 2027, including: 100 years since Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s work began in Ghana, 70 years of formal diplomatic relations, and 50 years of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers’ presence in Ghana. 

Given the renewed confidence in Ghana’s economic outlook, they discussed expanding economic cooperation that reflects reciprocity as the true spirit of diplomacy. 

Following President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Japan last year, where he reaffirmed that Ghana was opened for business again, Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana Government was ready to work with Japanese companies to build partnerships that deliver real benefits for their people. 

She reiterated Ghana’s commitment to value addition by processing natural resources domestically, developing skills and industry, and creating sustainable jobs. 

The Vice President emphasised the importance of regularly reviewing their operations and adapting to a changing global environment to close existing gaps and unlock new opportunities. 

She underscored the importance of balanced partnerships, including a shared goal of expanding opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to thrive in Japan, just as Japanese enterprises continued to invest and grow in Ghana, thereby, strengthening their relationship through shared prosperity. 

Source: GNA