The ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Mr. Hisanobu Mochizuki, has underlined the nation's commitment to continuing to help Ghana's efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and socioeconomic system.
In order to improve connectivity and foster economic activity in the sub-region, he claimed that Ghana possessed a strategically significant position in the development of high-quality infrastructure for the West Africa Growth Ring Corridor Development.
The benefits of building a strong infrastructure base and the part it may play in supporting and stimulating economies are both understood by Japan as a nation.
The Ambassador stated, "This underlines our resolve to assist our African friends in developing their infrastructure to improve their economies.
At the commissioning of the second phase of the 31.2 km national trunk road (N8), which runs from Assin-Fosu to Assin-Praso in the Assin North District of the Central Region, last Friday, he made the declaration in a speech that was read on his behalf.
The project was carried out by a Japanese construction company, Shimizu Dai Nippon Joint Ventures, with funding provided by a grant from the Japanese government.
In order to enhance the foundation for Ghana's industrial growth through agriculture, health, and human resource development, Mr. Mochizuki claimed that the Japanese government has shown a commitment to high-quality infrastructure development.
The development of Ghana's transportation infrastructure is still essential for fostering commercial development and foreign investment. He claimed that without it, goods and services would lose some of their value.
He believed that improving transportation links through the construction of good roads helped underserved populations access economic opportunities and encouraged equitable economic growth.
The recent visit to Ghana by the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, to strengthen bilateral ties for mutual benefit, according to Mr. Mochizuki, strengthened Japan's promise for development support.
The promotion of trade and investment in Ghana, a major economic hub in West Africa, was of utmost importance to the Japanese government.
"For instance, the strategic importance of the N8 highway's location cannot be emphasized enough.
The Ambassador stated that because the N8 is a vital corridor for the transit of important export commodities, "I am convinced that the huge opportunities that these restoration efforts of the N8 would offer to Ghana will be realized."
He assured the locals that the route would surely lessen traffic, especially on market days, and increase economic prospects in the neighborhood.
Yet, he acknowledged the value of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which serves as a crucial channel for the Japanese government's comprehensive and strategic approach to assisting Ghana in developing its infrastructure.
Ghana has benefited from infrastructure projects under JICA, including the top-notch Phase One of the Tema Motorway roundabout project, which president Akufo-Addo will officially open in 2020.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President, cut the sod to officially kick off Phase Two of the project, which is due to be finished in December 2024.
Once more thanks to JICA, he claimed that in December 2013 the Phase One Project of the NS between Assin- Praso and Asante-Bekwai was finished.
Such success, he claimed, prepared the way for Phase Two. He added, "I congratulate the Japanese consultants who worked on the project, Central Consultant Inc., as well as the Japanese contractor who worked on the project, Shimizu-Dai Nippon Joint Venture, for their hard work and skill.
He continued, "Let me extend the same appreciation to their Ghanaian colleagues, Ghana Highway Authority, for their work and cooperation."
