President John Dramani Mahama’s recent working visit to Japan and participation in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) have delivered significant gains for Ghana, following a series of high-level engagements and agreements.

The visit reaffirmed bilateral ties between Ghana and Japan, with a focus on fostering economic growth, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and technological innovation, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking at the conference, President Mahama announced several initiatives, stressing Ghana’s readiness to embrace foreign investment, a move he described as a potential game changer.

President Mahama embarks on two-nation official visits to Japan and Singapore

Here are 8 key accomplishments from the visit as listed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Volta River Bridge Project revived

The long-stalled Volivo to Dorfor Adidome Bridge is back on track after Ghana and Japan pledged funding to restart the project. Once completed, it will reconnect communities and improve transportation across the region.

Kumasi Inner-City Ring Road Project

Residents of the Ashanti Region are set to benefit from the commencement of the inner-city ring road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing urban infrastructure.

Toyota Expansion: Ghana to become West Africa’s hub

A new agreement with Toyota will expand the company’s operations in Ghana, positioning the country as Toyota’s hub for automobile production and distribution in West Africa.

Space Science deal signed

Ghana and Japan signed a space science cooperation agreement to apply space technology in national development, with benefits in telecommunications, disaster monitoring, and climate research.

Ghana to scrap minimum capital requirement for foreign investors – President Mahama

300,000 youth to be trained in AI skills

Under a new partnership, 300,000 Ghanaian youth will be trained in artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, biotechnology, modern agriculture, and startup development. This initiative seeks to tackle youth unemployment and prepare the workforce for the future economy.

Boosting rice production with science

President Mahama secured $100 million in funding for agricultural modernization projects, including large-scale local rice production, as part of efforts to enhance food security and reduce imports.

US$1.5 billion industrialisation partnership

Japan is considering a $1.5 billion investment into Africa, with Ghana positioned as a key beneficiary through a new industrialization partnership that will strengthen manufacturing and value-added exports.

During TICAD 9, President Mahama urged investors to choose Ghana as a trade and investment hub, assuring that his administration is working to scrap the minimum capital requirement for foreign investors in order to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

President Mahama’s working visit to Japan and participation in TICAD 9 has delivered remarkable and tangible outcomes for Ghana.

Key accomplishments include:

1. Volivo to Dorfor Adidome Bridge across the Volta River has been revived. Both nations commit to immediately provide… pic.twitter.com/A8Izu7v9ym

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) August 24, 2025