Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held bilateral talks with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Dr Kunimitsu Ayano, aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place on Thursday, 15 January 2026, during Dr Ayano’s working visit to Ghana. She was accompanied by a 35-member business delegation from Japan, a development expected to boost private-sector collaboration and promote trade and investment for mutual benefit.
Mr Ablakwa commended Japan for its long-standing partnership with Ghana and praised the resilience of Japanese companies during Ghana’s recent economic challenges. He briefed the delegation on improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic outlook, citing currency stabilisation, easing inflation and progress under the International Monetary Fund programme.
He said the improved economic conditions present new opportunities for investment, particularly as the government advances value addition, industrialisation and export-led growth. The Foreign Affairs Minister noted Ghana’s cocoa exports to Japan and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising cocoa production through farm rehabilitation, enhanced extension services and productivity improvements to ensure sustained supply and quality.
The discussions also focused on milestone anniversaries scheduled for 2027, which both sides described as opportunities to further deepen bilateral relations. These include the 100th anniversary of Dr Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival and work in Ghana, the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers programme in Ghana, and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both parties agreed the milestones should be used to highlight the depth of cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration.
In her remarks, Dr Ayano expressed appreciation for the warm reception and highlighted the deep historical ties between Ghana and Japan. She referenced the enduring legacy of Dr Noguchi in Ghana as a symbol of strong people-to-people relations. She welcomed Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery and reform efforts, while stressing the importance of a predictable and investor-friendly business environment for Japanese companies operating in the country.
Also present was the Chief Executive Officer of Axelspace, Mr Yuya Nakamura, who reaffirmed the strong relations between Ghana and Japan and expressed the Japanese private sector’s interest in Ghana’s development agenda. He highlighted opportunities in emerging technologies, including space technology, noting their potential to support agriculture, climate resilience and public service delivery.
In concluding remarks, Mr Ablakwa assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to science, technology and innovation as key drivers of development, adding that sustained dialogue and cooperation would further strengthen the Ghana–Japan partnership.
The meeting was attended by Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, and the Director of the First Africa Division at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Taro Kawase.