The State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Dr. Kunimitsu Ayano, has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening its trade and investment footprint in Ghana, underscoring the Asian nation’s interest in advancing mutually beneficial bilateral partnerships anchored in trade, industrial cooperation, and sustainable growth.
Dr. Ayano made the remarks during a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto. The engagement reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to align its economic cooperation with Ghana’s broader development priorities through expanded bilateral trade, green industrialisation, and shared prosperity.
The visit further reinforced the long-standing Ghana–Japan relationship, which has historically been rooted in cooperation across trade, agriculture, automobile manufacturing, health, and scientific research. The partnership has also been shaped by Japan’s enduring contribution to Ghana’s health sector, notably through the pioneering work of renowned scientist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, whose legacy continues to symbolise Japan’s commitment to infectious disease research and public health advancement in Ghana.
Trade between the two countries has recorded notable growth across several sectors. Japan has emerged as a significant export destination for Ghanaian cocoa, with exports reaching approximately 100,000 metric tonnes valued at about US$350 million in 2022. Fish exports to Japan were valued at an estimated US$45 million within the same period. Ghana’s mineral exports have also featured prominently in bilateral trade, with gold exports valued at around US$200 million and bauxite exports peaking at approximately US$70 million in 2022.
The trade relationship has remained reciprocal, with Japan maintaining a strong presence in Ghana’s automobile sector through vehicle imports, assembly operations, and the activities of major global brands like Toyota and Suzuki. Japan has also contributed to Ghana’s industrial growth through the supply of critical industrial machinery and equipment that support manufacturing and infrastructure development. As of October 2025, Ghana’s trade with Japan was valued at approximately ¥2.7 billion, reflecting the depth of economic engagement between the two countries.
In her remarks, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted Ghana’s positive economic recovery, pointing to improved macroeconomic stability, stronger agricultural performance, and renewed investor confidence throughout 2025. She expressed optimism about even stronger growth prospects in 2026, underpinned by the Government’s Resetting for Growth, Jobs and Economic Transformation Agenda.
The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, predictable, and business-friendly environment and acknowledged the vital role of Japanese institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan Organization (JO), and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in promoting investment, technical cooperation, and private-sector development. She encouraged a deeper institutional presence to further support Japanese businesses operating in Ghana.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare noted that there has never been a better time to invest in Ghana, citing the country’s strategic location and its access to a regional market of over 400 million consumers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She outlined priority areas for expanded Ghana–Japan cooperation, including MSME development through the application of Kaizen productivity tools, manufacturing and agro-processing, infrastructure development, and related value-chain sectors.
She also acknowledged the significant contribution of more than 40 Japanese companies operating in Ghana, including Toyota Tsusho and Fuji Oil, commending their role in technology transfer, job creation, and industrial growth.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s strong friendship with Japan and the Government’s readiness to support Japanese investments that advance sustainable growth, green industrialisation, and shared prosperity.
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