The Embassy of Japan in Ghana has signed a grant agreement totaling US$249,933 with two District Assemblies (DAs) for the construction of health facilities in the Northern and Ashanti Regions.

Under the agreement, Zonyohini in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region will receive US$122,673 for the construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, while Apewu in the Bosome Freho District of the Ashanti Region will benefit from US$127,260 for the construction of a health centre.

The agreement was signed in Accra on Tuesday as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities. The projects are expected to be completed within 12 months.

The funding is provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP), a Japanese government initiative introduced in 1989 to address the diverse development needs of communities in developing countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Yoshimoto Hiroshi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Ghana, particularly in the health sector. He noted that the GGHSP attracts numerous applications annually, making the selection process highly competitive.

“Being selected demonstrates the dedication and commitment put into the applications, and these efforts have been duly rewarded,” he said.

Mr Hiroshi commended the beneficiary assemblies for their focus on improving the living conditions of their people, adding that the projects would provide sustainable solutions to critical healthcare challenges in the communities.

The Nanumba South District Chief Executive, Mr Abdul Rashid Musah, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support towards local development. He pledged the assembly’s commitment to ensuring regular maintenance of the facility, in collaboration with traditional and community leaders, to keep it functional and well maintained.

Similarly, the Bosome Freho District Chief Executive, Charles Appiah-Kubi, said the new health centre at Apewu would ease pressure on existing facilities and significantly enhance healthcare delivery and the overall well-being of residents.