Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has commended volunteers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their significant contribution to Ghana’s development and the strong partnerships they have established with communities across the country.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by 32 JICA volunteers to the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Nyarko Ampem praised their dedication and commitment to national development on behalf of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The Deputy Finance Minister noted that JICA’s decades of volunteer service in Ghana deserve recognition, particularly as the programme approaches 50 years of impactful volunteerism in 2027. He said JICA volunteers have helped promote the spirit of volunteerism by dedicating their time, skills and expertise to support communities and institutions.
Government Prioritises Volivo Bridge Project
Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem disclosed that the government has prioritised the construction of the Volivo Bridge and is working to facilitate the release of funds to accelerate the project.
He explained that the Volivo Bridge, alongside other road infrastructure projects under the government’s Big Push programme, is expected to improve transportation, enhance connectivity and reduce travel times to communities in northern Ghana.
JICA Volunteers’ Impact on Ghana
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the personal and national impact of JICA’s development cooperation programme. He recalled benefiting from the programme as a child when he was taught Mathematics by a JICA volunteer.
He said the experience demonstrated the lasting impact of international development partnerships, noting that many Ghanaians have benefited from the work of JICA volunteers in areas such as education, healthcare and agriculture.
JICA’s cooperation with Ghana dates back to 1963, while the first group of nine JICA volunteers arrived in the country on August 17, 1977. Since then, 1,557 JICA volunteers have served in Ghana, providing technical assistance and supporting institutions in various sectors.
More than 4,700 Ghanaian officials have also received training in Japan and other countries through the longstanding Ghana-Japan development partnership.
Ghana-Japan Partnership Strengthened
The delegation included JICA Ghana Office Chief Representative Mr. Takayuki Uchiyama and Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Naoki Mitori.
Mr. Mitori explained that the JICA volunteer programme is not only about transferring Japanese knowledge and technical expertise to Ghana. He said Japanese volunteers also gain valuable experiences from Ghanaian culture, food, language and community life.
The volunteers, who are currently serving in communities across eight regions of Ghana, used the visit to share their experiences and reflect on the relationships they have developed with local residents.
The event also featured a judo demonstration by members of the Ghana Judo Federation, showcasing the cultural exchange and strong development cooperation that continue to strengthen the relationship between Ghana and Japan.
Source: newsthemegh.com