HONOURABLE MINISTER HOLDS MEETING WITH THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF JICA

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Kwadwo Baah Wiredu held a meeting with the Senior Vice President of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), Mr. Kenzo Ohima.

The meeting was as part of his three-day working visit to three African Nations, namely, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Kenya. Also present at the meeting were the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Masamichi Ishikawa and the Resident Representative of JICA in Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Murakami.

Welcoming him, Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu noted that JICA had provided support for the country which has benefited the health, education and agriculture sectors since the beginning of the Ghana- Japan bilateral co-operation which dates back to 1960’s.

He noted that the revised Japanese Country Assistance Plan for Ghana for the next three years has as its theme “Poverty Reduction through Economic Growth” which is in line with the goal of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy.

While expressing appreciation to the Japanese government for these assistances he appealed to the Japanese government to consider lifting the ban of Yen loans to Ghana as soon as possible.

"I would like to also like to appeal to the Government of Japan to expedite action in giving approval for the utilization of the aggregated balance of around US$12.4 million in the Counter Value Fund for qualified development projects in Ghana", he added.

The Finance Minister said that the visit by the Vice President was an indication of the confidence Japan has in Ghana and hoped that it will serve to deepen the existing strong relations between the two countries.

The Senior Vice President in his remarks noted that, a lot of projects have been carried out by JICA. He also added that four conferences would be held this in Yokohama, on theme "ACCELERATED GROWTH IN AFRICA", dedicated to the development of Africa.

He concluded by saying that JICA will continue to support the promotion of Ghana’s economic growth and the attainment of self – reliance and sustainable economic development.

The Ambassador in his brief remarks touched on the purpose of the visit saying that it “was to deepen the relationship between Ghana and Japan”.
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