Ghana and Japan yesterday signed a bilateral agreement in Accra to deepen educational co­operation between the two nations, with a particular focus on digital skills, sustainable development, and technical training.The agreement was formalised by the Minister of Education (MoE), Haruna Iddrisu, and Ja­pan's State Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Tech­nology (MEXT), Toshiko Abe.The partnership is designed to support the implementation of Ghana's Education Strategic Plan (ESP 2018-2030), which outlines a roadmap for inclusive, equita­ble, and quality education in the country.A statement issued by the MoE in Accra on Wednesday copied to The Ghanaian Times, Mr Iddrisu expressed appreciation to the Gov­ernment of Japan for its continued technical assistance and shared commitment to advancing educa­tion as a driver of peace, resilience, and sustainable growth.A key element of the agreement is the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into Ghana's national curriculum and the enhancement of essential digital skills among the youth."Core components of this part­nership include the introduction of comprehensive coding courses in schools, expanded support for Technical and Vocational Edu­cation and Training (TVET) - particularly in green skills - and collaborative curriculum develop­ment," Mr Iddrisu stated.The agreement also covers student exchange programmes, joint research initiatives in tertiary institutions, and community-based learning strategies aimed at pro­moting environmental conscious­ness and global citizenship.In addition, the initiative seeks to strengthen institutional capac­ity, broaden teacher training, and promote Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across all levels.Mr Iddrisu noted that Ghana was drawing lessons from Japan's educational framework, especially its emphasis on holistic student development and active communi­ty participation."This partnership is not only timely - it is transformative," he said. "It underscores our shared conviction that education is key to securing a sustainable future.

We are confident this collaboration will bring tangible benefits to our students, educators, and academic institutions."Japan's global leadership in ESD was also acknowledged.

The country hosts the UNESCO Centre for Education for Sustain­able Development in Okayama and has convened several international forums to advance sustainability through education.The new agreement builds on existing Japanese-led initiatives in Ghana, including support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for teacher devel­opment and the Sakura Science Exchange Programme.Officials from both countries affirmed that the agreement aligns with the United Nations' Sustain­able Development Goals, particu­larly Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. BY CLIFF EKUFUL