The Ambassador of Japan to Ghana His Excellency Tsutomu Himeno and his wife Professor Tomoko have paid a courtesy call on the Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong.
The Eastern Regional Minister was a former Chairman of the Ghana – Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association when he was a Member of Parliament.
The visit by the Japan Ambassador was therefore to formally congratulate him on his new appointment and also deepen the Ghana – Japan Bilateral relationship.
“We spoke extensively about tourism in the Eastern Region and also other areas of developmental interest. Japan has historically been a good friend of Ghana and I believe my current position gives me the opportunity to explore more areas where this relationship can be mutually beneficial” The Regional Minister said.
Bilateral relations between Japan and Ghana can be traced to the 1920s when Dr. Hideyo Noguchi visited Ghana to conduct research into Yellow fever.
Formal diplomatic relations between Japan and Ghana have existed for more than 50 years leading to strengthening relations between the two countries.
Japan imports various commodities including cocoa beans from Ghana and assists Ghana in various ways through aid.
Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers also assist in many ways at the grassroots level.
The relation between Japan and Ghana has developed favorably in recent years. In 2010, His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince of Japan visited Ghana. In the same year the President of Ghana, Prof. J. E. A. Mills visited Japan.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
