President John Mahama has held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to advance Ghana–Japan cooperation in three key areas: Cocoa and value addition, Strategic infrastructure and People-to-people ties.

The President is currently in Japan for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which is taking place in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20-22, 2025.

A statement issued by Ghana’s Presidency said with Ghana supplying about 70 per cent of Japan’s cocoa imports, Ghana invited Japanese investment and a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and deepen processing in Ghana.

The two leaders discussed the Volivo Bridge over the Volta Lake and expressed appreciation for Japan’s JPY 11.239 billion support (signed in 2016).

President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s request for additional funding, especially grants, to close the remaining 64 per cent procurement gap and speed delivery of this vital link for moving yams, maize and other produce from the north to markets in the south.

They noted the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of JOCV in 2027—important milestones in their enduring partnership.

Japan reaffirmed its readiness to work with us on infrastructure and to expedite solutions to funding gaps.

They also discussed multilateral cooperation, including support for Japan’s candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for Director General of the UPU International Bureau, and Japan’s positions on UN Security Council reform.

“I am grateful for Japan’s continued friendship and look forward to concrete next steps that deliver jobs, value addition, and connectivity for Ghanaians,” President Mahama said.