Ghana, Japan sign two agreements

Accra, Feb. 27, GNA - Ghana and Japan on Friday signed two separate agreements for a road project and support for small and medium scale enterprises.

Under the first grant, Ghana would receive 1.2 million dollars for the cost of detailed design for the rehabilitation of the 60-kilometre Anwiankwanta-Yamoransa truck road, called N8. The road stretches from Anwiankwanta, near Kumasi, to Yamoransa in the Central Region. The detailed design will bring out the final cost of the rehabilitation work which is expected to begin in November. Mr John Evonlah Aggrey, Chief Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who signed for government of Ghana, said the grant also covered the design for the Assin Praso Bridge that links Tarkoradi, Accra and Kumasi.

The second grant of 11 million dollars would be used to support small and medium scale enterprises.

He said the facility was one of the most popular government lending facilities to the private sector and had so far been extended to about 150 small and medium enterprises over the last five years. Mr Keiichi Katakami, Ambassador of Japan, who signed for government of Japan, said assessment made by Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) revealed that the Anwiankwanta-Yamoransa truck road and the Praso-Bridge were heavily damaged and required immediate rehabilitation, hence the grant.

The road serves not only Ghana but neighbouring landlocked countries in the transportation of goods. He said the grant was in fulfilment of a pledge made last year by the government of Japan to help to boost its economic and social infrastructure development for rapid development in Africa.