Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday commended Japan for allowing highly qualified professionals to serve in deprived communities in Ghana to help them overcome the development challenges confronting them.
He expressed satisfaction about Japan's support in touching the lives of ordinary Ghanaians in critical areas such as in the health and educational sectors which are experiencing shortfall in manpower.
Receiving nine new Japan Overseas Co-operation Volunteers (JOCV) at the Osu Castle,
Vice- President thanked the volunteers for their willingness to leave the comfort of their country
in favour of working in underserved communities in Ghana for the next two years.
He observed that since its inception 32 years ago, 1047 Japanese have volunteered in Ghana,thus helping to deepen cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
Japan is the world's second most advanced economy and according to the Vice President,
nothing but a voluntary and kindred spirit could enable the volunteers to forsake their affluent
backgrounds in favour of working in harsh conditions as obtained in communities they are to
serve.
He commended the volunteers for their attachment to Ghana and assured them of the
hospitality of the people.
He said what Ghana lacked in terms of economic development was amply compensated for
by the congenial and a tolerant spirit, noting that such traits would help the Japanese to
appreciate life in its fullest measure than was available in their home country.
The Japanese Ambassador, Mr Keichi Katakami, observed that the JOCV programme which has been operational since 1977, was Japan's contribution in strengthening grassroots participation in governance.
The nine volunteers who would be part of the 84 currently serving in the country will ply their
expertise in HIV control, Public Health, community development, information technology,
education and surveying.