Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Engages Japan on Trade, Investment, and Balanced Partnerships

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Japan, as she held high-level engagements with Japanese government officials and investor groups on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

The Vice President met with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kunimitsu Ayano, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, and representatives of Japanese investor groups. She was joined by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi. Discussions focused on diplomacy, trade, and partnerships grounded in mutual benefit and reciprocity.

During the meeting, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang conveyed Ghana’s congratulations to Ms. Sanae Takaichi on her historic appointment as Japan’s first female Prime Minister. She also reaffirmed Ghana’s resolve to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The Vice President noted that the engagement comes at a significant time as Ghana and Japan prepare to mark key milestones in 2027, including 100 years since the pioneering work of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi began in Ghana, 70 years of formal diplomatic relations, and 50 years of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers’ presence in the country.

Highlighting renewed confidence in Ghana’s economic outlook, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said discussions explored ways to expand economic cooperation in line with the true spirit of diplomacy—reciprocity. She recalled President Mahama’s visit to Japan last year, where he declared Ghana “open for business again,” and assured Japanese partners that the government is ready to work closely with their companies to forge partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for both nations.

She reiterated Ghana’s commitment to value addition through domestic processing of natural resources, skills development, industrial growth, and the creation of sustainable jobs. The Vice President also emphasized the need for continuous review of policies and operations to adapt to global changes, close existing gaps, and unlock new opportunities.

Concluding the engagement, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of balanced partnerships, with a shared goal of expanding opportunities for Ghanaian businesses in Japan while Japanese enterprises continue to invest and grow in Ghana—strengthening bilateral relations through shared prosperity.