By Issah Olegor
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has held a series of high-level engagements with key Japanese institutions as part of his study tour aimed at exploring international best practices in monetary policy, digital transformation, healthcare, flood management, industrial development and natural resource security.
The delegation has met with officials from Japan’s central bank, Digital Agency, Chiba University, Ministry of Lands, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) office in Japan.
One of the major engagements was with the Central Bank of Japan, where discussions focused on monetary policy, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and modern payment systems. The meeting provided an opportunity to examine Japan’s approach to central banking and the evolving role of digital currencies in financial systems.
The delegation also visited Japan’s Digital Agency, which Dr. Bawumia described as the equivalent of Ghana’s digital government platform, Ghana.gov. The engagement focused on Japan’s digital governance framework and how technology can improve public service delivery and make government transactions more efficient.
Healthcare innovation also featured prominently in the study tour, with a visit to Chiba University to discuss vaccine research and manufacturing. The discussions centered on the role of scientific research and institutional collaboration in strengthening healthcare systems and expanding local capacity for vaccine production.
On infrastructure and environmental management, the delegation met officials of Japan’s Ministry of Lands, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to discuss flood control and river management. The engagement comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s recurring flooding challenges and the need for improved drainage systems, water management and disaster prevention strategies.
The delegation also held discussions with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, focusing on issues relating to metals and energy security, as well as with UNIDO Japan on industrial policy and lessons from Japan’s industrial development experience.
Another important engagement involved the Chairman of the Research Committee on International Affairs and a member of Japan’s House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the country’s National Diet, where discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on international affairs and parliamentary engagement.
Dr. Bawumia described the meetings as insightful and productive, expressing appreciation to the Japanese institutions and their officials for hosting the delegation and sharing their experiences.
