Oct 15-2025

On 12th May 2025, H.E. Geneviève Edna Apaloo, Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan, hosted Mr. Seiichi Nihei, Mayor of Inawashiro Town, at the Chancery in Tokyo. The Mayor was accompanied by Mr. Yoshida Kazuyoshi, along with Embassy officials. The meeting focused on deepening historic ties and advancing plans for a sister city partnership. Mayor Nihei highlighted the 70th anniversary of Inawashiro’s partnership with Oguni City and commemorative efforts, including the “medical city” project honoring Dr. Hideyo Noguchi. Ambassador Apaloo proposed linking Inawashiro with a Ghanaian city sharing similar natural features and building on agricultural cooperation, notably after the recent rice farming training involving 15 Ghanaian farmers. Discussions also explored Accra as a potential sister city, given its historic connection to Dr. Noguchi. She further proposed arranging a potential state visit during the 150th anniversary in 2026 or the centenary of Dr. Noguchi’s burial in 2028, with preference for 2026. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening cultural, educational, and agricultural cooperation between Ghana and Inawashiro Town.