Japan and Ghana sign Exchange of Notes for JDS scholarship programme

Japan and Ghana have signed an Exchange of Notes for Japanese Grant Assistance under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

According to a statement dated June 30, 2026, and available to GhanaWeb, the agreement is valued at 341 million Japanese yen (approximately US$2.11 million).

The statement also added that the Exchange of Notes was signed by HE Yoshimoto Hiroshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Ghana, and Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

It said the JDS programme provides Ghanaian government officials with opportunities to pursue two-year Master’s courses and three-year PhD courses at leading Japanese universities, including Kobe University, Ritsumeikan University, Nagasaki University, International Christian University and the International University of Japan.

“The JDS offers two-year Master’s courses and three-year PhD courses at Japanese universities for young officials of the Government of Ghana to pursue graduate studies, supporting social and economic development plans. Host universities include Kobe University, Ritsumeikan University, Nagasaki University, International Christian University, and International University of Japan,” the statement read.

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The initiative is designed to strengthen Ghana’s social and economic development by equipping young professionals with advanced academic and practical skills.

Since its introduction in 2012, the JDS has supported approximately 143 Ghanaian officials to study in Japan.

In 2020, the programme expanded to increase Master’s scholarships from 10 to 12 annually and added one PhD scholarship.

The Embassy of Japan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s development agenda through education and capacity building.

See statement below.

VKB/BAI

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