University of Ghana Strengthens Academic Collaboration with Japan

The University of Ghana has taken a big step towards deepening academic ties with Japan, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Japanese government led by Education Minister, Dr. Abe Toshiko, as part of global partnership efforts.

During the meeting, Minister Abe expressed the hope that through the visit, partnerships between UG and Japan will be further enhanced. She proposed the introduction of Japanese language as a course at the University as well as providing opportunities for the Japanese Ambassador H.E Yoshimoto Hiroshi, to deliver lectures.

Receiving the delegation was the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante in the company of other senior university officials.

Prof. Asante acknowledged Japan’s long-standing support, particularly through the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration.  He called for strengthened and balanced academic ties, while also pointing out the funding challenges that limit the university’s ability to reciprocate exchange opportunities.

 Additionally, he urged Japan to consider extending support beyond the sciences to the arts and humanities, noting that initiatives like introducing Japanese language in the University could promote wider academic engagement across disciplines.

In response, Dr. Abe outlined plans to enhance collaboration with UG in emerging fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, satellite technology and disaster science. She further reiterated the importance of existing exchange programmes, including government scholarships and training opportunities under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as platforms to foster long-term cooperation.

Also present at the meeting was Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, who expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s consistent support. She acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between Noguchi and Japanese institutions and pushed for the expansion of the JICA training programme.

The Ambassador, H.E. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, cited the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the University of Tsukuba as a step forward and encouraged continued alliance based on existing agreements.

 “I would be honoured if I have a chance to deliver another lecture, maybe on international cooperation, Japan-Ghana relations, or other areas”, he said.

The proposed initiatives aim to deepen academic collaboration and advance cultural exchanges between Ghana and Japan.