Japan renews commitment

JAPAN has renewed its commitment to extend development assistance to the country through grant aid and technical co-operation, Mr Hiromu Nitta, the Japanese Ambassador, has said.

He said Japan has noted with great admiration the steady growth of the economy and it is considering dispatching a consultative mission to the country to identify economic and technical areas where Japan can be of assistance.

Mr Nitta speaking at the National Day reception to mark the 68th birthday of the 125th Emperor of Japan in Accra last Wednesday, expressed the hope that the country will endeavour to double its efforts at rebuilding its economy based on the spirit of ownership.

“I believe that there is great potential out there for the government and the people of this country to surmount the current economic and social problems,” he said.

The reception was attended by ministers of state, members of Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic missions, members of Council of State and other international organisations.

Mr Nitta said Japan continues to enjoy the status of being the top donor to the country and that since 1991, Japan has extended a total of $350 million for the socio-economic development of the country.

He said given the encouraging initiatives taken by the Ghana Government over the past few months, there is the need for all development partners to join hands to further enhance Ghana’s effort towards her development.

The ambassador said although no new loan will be extended to the country as the result of Ghana’s decision to apply for the HIPC initiative, Japan will continue to extend development assistance to the country in the form of grant, aid and technical co-operation.

Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, who represented the government at the reception, expressed government’s appreciation to the continued support that the country has enjoyed from Japan.

He said Ghana is looking forward for a successful ministerial meeting on African development programme which is being hosted by the Japanese Government.

The minister assured the Japanese Government of implementing sound economic policies that will enhance the well being of all Ghanaians.