JICA volunteers deepen Ghana-Japan ties through service

32 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) representing the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met with Ghana's Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, to bolster ties between the two nations through volunteerism, shared knowledge, and cultural exchange. The visit coincides with Ghana and Japan's preparations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the JICA volunteer program in Ghana in 2027.

JICA Ghana Office Chief Representative, Mr. Takayuki Uchiyama, emphasized the grassroots nature of the program, stating that over 1,550 Japanese volunteers have served in Ghana over the past 50 years, collaborating with Ghanaian counterparts in health, education, agriculture, sports, and community development. The first group of volunteers arrived in 1977, and the program has evolved in response to government and non-governmental organization requests.

JICA Ghana's Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Naoki Mitori, highlighted that 2027 would mark significant milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the volunteer program, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and Japan, and the 100th anniversary of Japanese physician Dr. Hideyo Noguchi's arrival in Ghana.

Mitori noted that the volunteers have contributed to development in various sectors while learning from Ghanaian culture, food, language, and experiences. Mr. Uchiyama thanked the volunteers for their dedication and assured the Ministry of Finance of their full support in marking the 50th anniversary of the program. Deputy Minister Ampem expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their service, recalling his own experience of being taught Mathematics by a JICA volunteer during his Junior Secondary School days.