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Ghana, Japan sign Exchange of Note on Japanese Grant Assistance for Human Resources Development Scholarship
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana and the Embassy of Japan in Accra on Monday, June 2, 2025 signed the Exchange of Notes on Japanese Grant Assistance for the “Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship,” a substantial grant of Four Hundred and Two Million Japanese Yen.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ramses Joseph Cleland, signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana, while the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, His Excellency Mr. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.
In his remarks, Ambassador Cleland emphasized that the Japanese Development Scholarship (JDS) will empower Ghana’s youth and unlock the full potential of the nation’s workforce.
He noted that this initiative reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the Governments of Ghana and Japan, aimed at building the human capital necessary to advance Ghana’s development agenda.
On behalf of the Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ambassador Cleland extended sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for their continued commitment and expressed optimism for the successful implementation of the grant assistance.
His Excellency Hiroshi expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his ongoing support and to Ambassador Cleland for signing the agreement on behalf of Ghana.
Highlighting the significance of the JDS since its inception in 2012, the Ambassador underscored Japan’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s human resource development through quality education and capacity building.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further strengthen the enduring partnership between the two countries through sustained cooperation in human resource development.
The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
