Ghana, Japan sign $20m grant agreement to transform healthcare in Northern Region

Ghana and Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes for an additional grant of about 20 million US dollars to advance the Improvement of the Health Care System in the Northern Region.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana, and the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, on behalf of the Government of Japan, on Monday in Accra.

This intervention forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to attain universal health coverage

Speaking at the signing ceremony, he said the new funding will speed up the completion of ongoing works under the project, and it is expected to strengthen health infrastructure, improve service delivery and expand access to quality care in underserved communities across the Northern Region.

Mr Ablakwa expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support, noting that the additional grant demonstrates Japan’s firm commitment to Ghana’s health sector.

“This support comes at a time when we are working to close gaps in health delivery between regions. The project will help ensure that people in the Northern Region have access to better-equipped facilities and improved services,” he added.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to reduce disparities in healthcare access and outcomes and also commended the longstanding partnership between the two countries and acknowledged the contribution of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to Ghana’s development across sectors.

On his part, Ambassador Yoshimoto said Japan remains committed to supporting Ghana’s development priorities.

He expressed confidence that the additional resources would enhance the impact of the project and improve the quality of care for residents in beneficiary communities.

The latest agreement adds to decades of cooperation between Ghana and Japan in health, education and infrastructure, and reflects the steady growth of bilateral ties between the two countries.