[Activities of an ABE ex-participant] Ghana: JICA Has Shaped My Career-ABE Initiative Beneficiary

In November 2020, I was nominated by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to participate in a 2-year master’s program in Japan, sponsored by JICA. I was at the International University of Japan, Graduate School of International Relations.

My decision to further my education was driven by the desire to not only upgrade my skills and knowledge for the benefit of my institution and country; but also, by the desire to learn valuable lessons from the Japanese development experience and to experience Japanese culture.

Since my return to my institution in Ghana in December 2022, I have had the distinct privilege of being promoted to Principal Planning Analyst, (Equivalent to a Deputy Director at the Ministries) through an open vacancy that I applied for and successfully received.

I am sure this achievement is a direct result of the training I received in Japan as it has improved my technical capacities and competencies. As a result of this improved capacity, I was also voted by my colleagues as the “Best Worker of 2023” in recognition of my achievements from Japan.

I am most grateful to JICA and the Japanese Government; without you, this would not have been possible.