Ghana and Japan Signs Agreement On JDS and COVID-19 Crisis Emergency Response Support
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration led by Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and the Japanese Embassy led by Ambassador Tsutomu Himeno have signed an Exchange of Notes and Record of Discussions in respect of “the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)” and “the Programme for COVID-19 Crisis Emergency Response Support in Accra.
The Government and people of Japan continue to be supportive of Ghana’s development agenda and have consistently demonstrated this commitment through the provision of grants, loans and technical support to Ghana in critical areas of our national endeavor, notably, infrastructural development, energy, agriculture, health, and education. The consistent and firm support reflect the longstanding, cordial and strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Japan, which is based on shared values and priorities, these were words of Ghana’s foreign affairs Minister Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the signing ceremony.
The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), amounting to two hundred and forty-nine million Japanese Yen (¥249,000,000.00) (approximately US$2,250,300.00) is aimed at improving the skills of Ghana’s workforce. The project, when successfully executed, will contribute to the strengthening of Ghana’s human resource capacity, which as you know, is essential for building a resilient economy.
Similarly, “the Programme for COVID-19 Crisis Emergency Response Support” which amounts to two hundred and seventeen million Japanese Yen (¥217,000,000.00) (approximately US$1,961,400.00) is a noteworthy support to Ghana’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, which started as a health crisis has evolved into a global security, developmental and economic catastrophe, threatening to roll back development gains made over the last few decades. The pandemic has also reinforced the need to join forces and to foster collaboration in order to speed up the recovery from the negative socio-economic effects. The Programme for COVID-19 Crisis Emergency Response Support therefore underscores the mutual commitment of the two governments to work in solidarity and partnership to address common challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government and people of Ghana expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to he Government and people of Japan through the the foreign minister for their continued support for Ghana’s socio-economic development. She assured the Government and people of Japan that these two (2) grants would be used for its intended purpose and for the benefit of the people of Ghana.
She concluded by reiterating her personal determination and that of the Ministry to work closely with Ambassador Himeno and the Japanese Embassy to further enhance and expand the bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Japan for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.
