Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has held discussions with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on strengthening the Kaizen philosophy to support Ghana’s development agenda.
The delegation, led by JICA Chief Representative Mr. Takayuki Uchiyama, met with the Chief of Staff to discuss ways of transforming Kaizen from a project-based initiative into a nationwide movement focused on productivity, efficiency, innovation and continuous improvement.
According to Mr. Debrah, the discussions highlighted the importance of the Kaizen system in improving operations within both public and private sector institutions.
“Our engagement focused on the strategic importance of transitioning Kaizen from a project-based intervention into a sustained national movement that promotes productivity, operational efficiency, continuous improvement, innovation, and competitiveness across both public and private sector institutions,” he stated.
He noted that Ghana, through the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and other public institutions, has made significant progress in implementing Kaizen principles among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and organisations across the country.
Mr. Debrah explained that the initiative continues to help improve enterprise performance and promote sustainable economic growth.
He further stressed that government remains committed to industrialisation, job creation and private sector expansion under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
“As Government continues to prioritise industrialisation, job creation, and private sector expansion, initiatives such as Kaizen remain critical to building resilient enterprises, improving institutional efficiency, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses,” he added.
The JICA delegation included Ms. Miwa Ito, Mr. Masashi Yamanaka, Mr. Sylvester, Ms. Naho Aizu and Ms. Nana Adwoa Konadu Asiam. Also present at the meeting was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Margaret Ansei.
Mr. Debrah commended JICA, UNIDO, the Kaizen Excellence Center of Ethiopia and the Ghana Enterprises Agency for their continued support towards productivity improvement and enterprise development in Ghana and across Africa.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
