Nanisto News Blog of Monday, 24 March 2025
Source: Manteaw Amos
Japan's Ambassador to Ghana, Yoshimoto Hiroshi, has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with Ghana, emphasizing ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education for potential collaborations.
Speaking at an event organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ghana on March 20, 2025, Ambassador Hiroshi underscored the longstanding relationship between the two nations and the importance of cooperation in shaping Ghana’s education system.
“We have a long-standing relationship between Japan and Ghana, and we are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Education to explore partnerships in curriculum development and other educational initiatives,” he stated.
The event, which aimed to foster dialogue between students from the University of Tokyo and the University of Ghana, featured the screening of the documentary film The Making of a Japanese.
Directed by British-Japanese filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki, the documentary showcases Japan’s structured approach to primary education, highlighting values such as punctuality, responsibility, and communal discipline.
Professor Lloyd Amoah, Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana, praised Japan’s educational model, stressing the need for Ghana to adopt a more structured approach to education.
“The Japanese are showing the way with their strategic approach to education. Their emphasis on orderliness is something we must learn from if we want to develop as a nation,” Professor Amoah remarked.
JICA Ghana’s Chief Representative, Suzuki Momoko, also highlighted the importance of instilling soft skills in students to prepare them for future opportunities.
“For children to grow up and get more opportunities, they need soft skills that will help them navigate the future. Understanding their role in society is crucial for their development,” she noted.
Takimoto Kohei, Senior Representative of JICA Ghana, expressed gratitude to the Japanese Embassy for facilitating the film screening and supporting the initiative.
“Today's event was made possible by the invaluable support of the Japanese Embassy in Ghana. Their dedication has been instrumental in bringing us together for meaningful discussions and learning,” he said.
The exchange event provided students from both countries an opportunity to compare the strengths and differences of their respective educational systems. It was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service, along with faculty members and students from both universities.
JICA Ghana has been collaborating with the Centre for Asian Studies since 2023 to promote knowledge exchange between Japan and Ghana, further strengthening diplomatic and educational ties between the two nations.