Julius Debrah affirms support for JICA training on its 50th anniversary

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has reaffirmed the Ghanaian government’s commitment to supporting the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) training program. Speaking at the Jubilee House, Debrah highlighted the long-standing partnership as JICA celebrates 50 years of capacity building and human resource development in Ghana. This milestone marks half a century of collaboration aimed at enhancing the professional skills of Ghanaian officials and experts across various sectors.

Since the program's formal inception in 1976, over 5,000 Ghanaian professionals have traveled to Japan to acquire specialized knowledge and skills. These beneficiaries include civil servants, health professionals, and technical experts, many of whom have gone on to earn advanced master’s and doctoral degrees. Debrah noted that the expertise brought back from Japan has played a significant role in the nation’s infrastructure and institutional development, strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Takayuki Uchiyama, the Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, emphasized the enduring impact of the training initiatives on Ghanaian institutions. He stated that the program’s success lies in its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the country while fostering a culture of continuous learning. The 50th-anniversary celebrations will include a symposium designed to engage alumni and stakeholders, providing a platform to discuss the achievements of the past five decades and strategize for future cooperation.

The government’s renewed pledge comes at a time when human capital development remains a priority for the administration under President John Mahama. By continuing to partner with international agencies like JICA, Ghana aims to further modernize its workforce and improve service delivery within the public sector. The upcoming anniversary events are expected to solidify the roadmap for JICA’s involvement in Ghana’s development agenda for the next fifty years.