The Governments of Ghana and Japan have signed a $2.65 million grant agreement (equivalent to ¥402 million, based on an exchange rate of approximately ¥151.70 per USD as of June 4, 2025) for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme. The signing, held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra, marks the third batch of the programme’s fourth phase, strengthening bilateral ties.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed gratitude to Japan for its steadfast support, emphasizing that the JDS Programme supports Ghana’s goal of building a knowledge-driven public sector. He noted its contribution to institutional capacity through advanced training for professionals. Dr. Forson also highlighted Ghana’s improving economic outlook, stating that sovereign credit ratings are expected to rise soon, signaling economic recovery, as reported by GhanaWeb.

Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led the Japanese delegation and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Ghana’s development. She underscored the JDS Programme’s role in equipping Ghanaian professionals for leadership and institutional reform, fostering sustainable growth. According to a report by APO Group on behalf of Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, the programme has been pivotal in training public sector officials to drive policy and governance advancements.

The ceremony concluded with both parties signing the agreement, expressing optimism about deepening cooperation in human capital and infrastructure development. This grant reinforces Japan’s role as a key partner in Ghana’s development, supporting initiatives that align with the country’s vision for sustainable growth. As Ghana advances its economic recovery, such partnerships are poised to strengthen the public sector and promote long-term progress.