Ghana’s hardworking Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged beneficiaries of scholarships from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to play a more active role in Ghana’s development by applying the knowledge and values acquired during their training.
Addressing participants at the maiden national general meeting of the JICA Alumni Association of Ghana in Accra on March 17, Mr Debrah underscored the importance of discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic; principles he said are central to Japan’s success and critical to Ghana’s progress.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled his participation in a 2011 African delegation to Japan on sustainable tourism, noting that the exposure continues to shape his approach to governance and policy.
He charged the newly sworn-in leadership of JAAGHA to spearhead initiatives that would tap into the wide-ranging expertise of its members to support the country’s development agenda.
The meeting featured the adoption of a new constitution and the inauguration of a six-member executive team to manage the affairs of the Association.
It also served as a platform for alumni to reconnect, exchange ideas, and showcase the impact of their Japanese training on their professional lives.
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, highlighted the enduring relationship between Ghana and Japan, which dates back to 1957.
He pointed to key achievements of the partnership across sectors including agriculture, education, infrastructure, and human resource development, and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Ghana’s growth.
He described JICA alumni as essential partners in sustaining the strong bilateral ties.
President of JAAGHA, Olivia Afoakwa, called for renewed energy within the alumni network, urging members to strengthen collaboration and actively contribute to national progress.
She emphasised the Association’s potential to foster innovation, influence policy, and create opportunities through strategic partnerships, while encouraging members to leverage their shared experiences for collective impact.
The meeting concluded with discussions on leadership priorities and strategies to mobilise alumni expertise in support of Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
Credit: Leakynews
