Japan on Thursday indicated its readiness to support the government’s vision of Ghana Beyond Aid, aimed at creating a nation that will be self-sufficient and prosperous.
The Ghana Beyond Aid programme is governed according to the rule of law, respect for human rights and individual liberties as well as the principles of democratic accountability.
Ghana and Japan have had a long standing diplomatic relations, which dated back to many decades, and Mr Tsutomu Himenu, Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, during a visit to Parliament, in Accra, stressed the need for the two countries to deepen the existing relationship for the mutual benefits.
Mr Himenu’s visit to Parliament was to interact with the members of Ghana-Japan Friendship Association (GJFA).
The GJFA is an organisation which aims at propeling relations between Japan and Ghana to new heights by creating and improving information on the two countries as well as bringing the right people together.
Without mentioning details, Mr Himenu said Tokyo would do its best to make Ghana Beyond Aid a success.
He recalled the Asian country’s long standing relationship with Ghana, and stated that Japan considered its relationship with Ghana as important.
That relationship, he said, needed to be strengthened, adding that Japan would continue to engage with Ghana on issues of national interest to both countries.
He stressed the need for the two countries to work to entrench democracy and ensure the Rule of Law for their citizens.
He stated that Japan would continue to send volunteers to Ghana to work in deprive communities of the country.
On the security situation in Ghana, Mr Himenu said despite recent kidnapping of the two Canadian girls Ghana still remains very safe.
Mr Seth Acheampong, Chairman of Ghana-Japan Friendship Association in Parliament in welcoming the Japanese delegation called for the strengthening of existing ties between the two nations.
He noted that Ghana and Japan had excellent relationship for many years, which had to be expanded further.
He described the people of Japan as friendly and respectful who love their culture much.
Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, Vice Chairman of the Association stated that Ghana and Japan had come far in terms of the relationship between the two countries, and eulogised Noguchi, a Japanese for leaving great legacy in the area of medical research for not only for Ghana, but Africa as whole.
He commended Japan for its continuous support for Ghana in the area of technical education, health roads and other infrastructure among others.
Source: GNA
