MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION, HON. SHIRLEY AYORKOR BOTCHWEY, RECEIVES OPEN LETTERS FROM AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE OF JAPAN, TO GHANA, H.E. TSUTOMU HIMENO, ON 4TH JANUARY, 2018

After welcoming the new Ambassador, H.E. Ambassador Tsutomu Himeno, the Hon. Minister recounted Ghana’s strong relations with Japan, which predates Ghana’s Independence, to the 1920s, when Dr. Hideyo Noguchi visited Ghana to conduct research into Yellow Fever; and later on, establishing diplomatic ties, as far back, as the 1950s.

The Hon. Minister expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries would be further strengthened, during H.E. Amb. Himeno’s tour in Ghana. She further expressed appreciation for Japan’s support in areas such as scholarships, infrastructure and volunteerism. She also expressed the hope that Japan’s relationship with Ghana, would be characterised by increased trade and investment, in furtherance of the “Ghana Beyond Aid” initiative.

In response, Ambassador Himeno thanked the Hon. Minister, and lauded Ghana for its “Ghana Beyond Aid” initiative. He assured the Minister, that during his tenure as Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, he would work towards enhancing economic ties between the two countries.