Ghana and Japan have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic partnership following bilateral talks between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kunimitsu Ayano, in Accra on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The meeting, held as part of Dr. Ayano’s working visit to Ghana, also brought together a 35-member Japanese business delegation, a move expected to strengthen private-sector cooperation and unlock new opportunities in trade and investment between the two countries.

Mr. Ablakwa praised Japan for its decades-long partnership with Ghana and commended Japanese companies for remaining engaged despite Ghana’s recent economic challenges.

He pointed to improvements in the country’s macroeconomic outlook, including currency stabilisation, easing inflation, and progress under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, describing the current climate as favourable for new investments.

He said the government’s focus on value addition, industrialisation and export-led growth presents significant opportunities for Japanese investors, particularly in agro-processing and manufacturing.

Touching on cocoa exports to Japan, the Foreign Affairs Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to revitalising cocoa production through farm rehabilitation, enhanced extension services and productivity improvements to ensure sustainable supply and quality.

Discussions also focused on key milestone anniversaries expected in 2027, which both sides agreed could serve as platforms to further deepen bilateral relations.

These include the 100th anniversary of the arrival and work of Hideyo Noguchi 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.

Dr. Ayano, in her remarks, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded her delegation and highlighted the deep historical and people-to-people ties linking Ghana and Japan.

She described Dr. Noguchi’s legacy as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations and welcomed Ghana’s economic recovery and reform efforts.

However, she stressed the need for a predictable and investor-friendly business environment to support Japanese companies operating in Ghana, noting that stability and clear policies are critical to sustaining long-term private-sector engagement.

Adding the voice of the Japanese private sector, the Chief Executive Officer of Axelspace, Yuya Nakamura, said Japanese firms are keen to align with Ghana’s development priorities.

He pointed to emerging technologies, including space technology, as areas for potential collaboration, with applications in agriculture, climate resilience and public service delivery.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to science, technology and innovation as key drivers of national development, assuring the Japanese delegation of Ghana’s readiness to deepen dialogue and cooperation to further strengthen the Ghana–Japan partnership.

Officials present at the meeting included the Director of the First Africa Division of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taro Kawase, and Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto.