The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called on Ghanaian professionals who have benefited from scholarships under the Japan International Cooperation Agency to put their acquired knowledge and experiences to good use in advancing national development.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the inaugural national general meeting of the JICA Alumni Association of Ghana in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, Mr Debrah emphasised that Ghana could make significant progress if alumni embraced the core Japanese values of discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic in their respective fields.

He recounted his involvement in a 2011 African delegation to Japan focused on sustainable tourism, noting that the insights gained from that experience continue to shape his perspective on governance and development.

Mr Debrah further encouraged the newly inducted leadership of JAAGHA to initiate programmes that would leverage the diverse expertise of its members to meaningfully reset the country’s development agenda.

The gathering also saw the adoption of a new constitution and the swearing-in of a six-member executive body tasked with managing the affairs of the Association. It provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, build stronger professional networks, and share how their experiences in Japan are impacting their work and contributing to national growth.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, highlighted the enduring diplomatic ties between Ghana and Japan, which date back to 1957.

He noted that the long-standing partnership has resulted in notable advancements in key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and human resource development.

Mr Yoshimoto reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development priorities, describing JICA alumni as important links in sustaining and strengthening bilateral relations.

For her part, the president of JAAGHA, Olivia Afoakwa, stressed the importance of revitalising the alumni network and fostering stronger connections among members.

She urged participants to actively share the skills and knowledge acquired in Japan to enhance their professional contributions and support Ghana’s socio-economic progress.

Madam Afoakwa also encouraged members to explore partnerships and collaborative opportunities, noting that the Association has the potential to serve as a hub for innovation and influence public policy.

Discussions during the meeting further focused on leadership and the strategic direction of the Association, with members exploring ways to mobilise the alumni base and effectively utilise their expertise for national development.