Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has committed $500 million to support peacekeeping efforts in the Sahel Region and the coastal Gulf of Guinea states. Kishida made this announcement during a visit with Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at the Jubilee House on May 1, 2023. According to a report by ghanatoday.gov.gh, Kishida emphasized the importance of peace to the economic growth of the West African region and pledged Japan’s support for initiatives that promote sustainable growth and stability in the area.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Japan and Ghana and reflecting on feedback from discussions ahead of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. During his visit, Kishida lauded Ghana for its efforts to ensure peace and stability in the sub-region and promised Japan’s continued support for such initiatives.
Japan has been assisting the African continent through the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA) project, which seeks to achieve peace and stability. President Nana Akufo-Addo welcomed Kishida’s pledge of support and highlighted the importance of improving the world and solving global issues in achieving sustainable development goals. Their discussions also included the need to adjust the United Nations Security Council to reflect the world’s current situation.
Kishida’s visit to Ghana marks the first by a Japanese Prime Minister in 17 years.