Ghana and Japan Sign Landmark Agreement to Strengthen Educational Cooperation

Ghana and Japan have signed a landmark bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at deepening educational collaboration and promoting inclusive, quality education rooted in sustainability, digital innovation, and global citizenship.

The agreement, which was initialled by Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), A.B.E. Toshiko, marks a new chapter in the two nations’ educational partnership.

At its core, the agreement focuses on advancing education for sustainable development (ESD), developing digital competencies, and strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems to equip Ghanaian youth for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Key Objectives of the Agreement:

• Teacher Training & Curriculum Development: The deal prioritises institutional capacity-building through teacher training and collaborative curriculum design.
• Green Skills Development: It supports the introduction of sustainability-focused skills in TVET to prepare students for jobs in emerging green industries.
• STEM & Digital Innovation: The agreement aims to expand access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and promote digital literacy among Ghanaian students through comprehensive coding courses.
• Tertiary Collaboration & Student Exchange: The agreement will also promote joint research between Ghanaian and Japanese universities, and facilitate student exchanges that enhance cross-cultural understanding and collaboration on global sustainability challenges.
• Embedding ESD Principles: A critical focus will be placed on embedding ESD principles across Ghana’s educational system—encouraging environmental stewardship, problem-solving, and responsible citizenship from basic to tertiary levels.

Minister Haruna Iddrisu on the Significance of the Agreement

ALSO READ: WAEC Releases Final Timetable for 2025 WASSCE for School Candidates

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Haruna Iddrisu described the partnership as “strategic, timely, and transformative,” aligning perfectly with Ghana’s Education Strategic Plan (ESP 2018–2030) and the national drive toward a knowledge-based economy.

He expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Japan and MEXT for their long-standing friendship and technical support, noting that the partnership goes beyond bilateral ties to reflect a shared belief in education as the foundation for peace, resilience, and sustainable development.

“We draw inspiration from Japan’s emphasis on community-based learning, environmental stewardship, and holistic student development,” Mr. Iddrisu said. “These are principles we are eager to integrate into Ghana’s ongoing educational reforms.”

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the successful implementation of the cooperation, expressing confidence that the shared vision would produce tangible benefits for both nations and contribute to global progress in education.

Japan’s Role in Promoting Global Sustainability Education

Japan’s global leadership in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was a central theme at the signing. The country is home to the UNESCO ESD Global Centre in Okayama and has consistently hosted world conferences on ESD—demonstrating its strong commitment to nurturing the knowledge, values, and behaviours essential for creating a just and sustainable world.

Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the Ghana-Japan partnership is directly aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

“The partnership with Japan strongly aligns with this critical agenda,” he concluded.

As the two nations begin this new phase of collaboration, educators, students, and policymakers in both countries can look forward to a future of mutual learning, shared innovation, and strengthened global citizenship through education.

Join our WHATSAPP CHANNEL, WHATSAPP GROUP 1, WHATSAPP GROUP 2 and TELEGRAM CHANNEL to get all relevant teaching resources to make your lessons effective.

Subscribe to this blog and follow us on facebook