Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - Over 1,650 Ghanaians have been trained in various fields through the assistance of the Japanese International Co-operation Agency since the inception of the programme about 25 years ago.

Most of these professionals who are engaged in the fields of medicine, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology and Economics among others are contributing to the country's socio-economic development.

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Kazuko Asai, speaking at the first JICA Alumni Association of Ghana (JAAGHA) annual get-together in Accra on Saturday, said Ghana has a unique culture that could be explored by Japan.

She said a Ghana-Japan Foundation had been formed among other things to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries and commended the initiative of the Alumni.

Mrs Akai expressed the hope that the establishment of the Foundation would go a long way to strengthen the bond of friendship among beneficiaries of JICA training programmes.

Mr Dsuneo Takahata, Director of JICA Ghana, said the Agency has been restructured in Japan, paving way for autonomy for the country offices to make JICA more effective and efficient.

He pledged JICA's continuous support for Ghana in meeting its human resource needs.

Dr Archer Okoampa, Head of Japan Desk, Ministry of Finance, said there had been consistent increase in the number of Ghanaians beneficiaries of JICA's assistance and gave the assurance that the Ministry would put a structure in place to ensure transparency in the selection of award winners.