Japan offers to support Ghana’s education sector restructuring and development 

Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, has stated how Japan is eager to collaborate with Ghana’s Ministry of Education to improve the country’s education system.

He expressed that this collaboration aims to enhance curriculum development, teacher training, and the development of students character development for , particularly at the primary school level. Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto revealed this plan during the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ghana’s Exchange Event with students from the University of Tokyo and University of Ghana.

The event is seeking to enhance intercultural exchange between the students of both universities and facilitate meaningful connections of the educational systems between the two countries by exchanging perspectives. He also emphasized how Japan was willing to share its successful academic traditions with Ghana to improve the country’s education system.

Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto declared that “We will examine the essential elements of Japanese-style education that Ghana might implement, not the  academic aspect only but also Co-curricular activities , involving duties and tasks. From grade  one to six, children can develop a sense of teamwork and leadership, which is very crucial for them to become good citizens and adults.”

Mr. Yoshimoto again stressed that the sense of teamwork and leadership in Japan was developed at elementary school, where children developed their core values. He said that Japanese education took a holistic approach, emphasizing not just academic ability but also the importance of a rich mind and healthy body. “The belief is that every aspect of school life and activities has learning benefit, including exercises like cleaning classrooms and serving meals,” he added.

The Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Ms. Momoko Suzuki, stated that academic growth was important for economic growth. She commented that education shouldn’t be the aspect of academic knowledge only but rather on essential skills like teamwork and leadership as well.

She expressed that “Essential skills are very crucial for career advancement. That is why children should be nurtured academically to grow up so they will be be able to seek out additional opportunities, I think these kinds of essential skills and understanding will place them a position in society.”

Professor Lloyd Amoah, Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana,  expressed hope that the collaboration would help build more compassionate and cooperative  education system, promoting personal growth  and community development in learners.