Omanghana
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has held discussions with officials of the Bank of Japan on monetary policy, central bank digital currencies and payment systems as part of a study tour of Japan.
The New Patriotic Party’s 2028 presidential candidate led a delegation to meet financial institutions, technology companies, researchers and public agencies in early November 2026.
The visit focused on how Japan uses technology, scientific research and long-term planning to address development challenges, and what lessons Ghana could draw from those approaches.
Digital finance and public services
At the Bank of Japan, Dr Bawumia and his delegation explored the development of digital financial systems and the role of central banks in managing monetary policy.
Their discussions also covered central bank digital currencies, which are digital forms of money issued by a country’s central bank, and the evolution of payment systems.
The delegation met officials of Japan’s Digital Agency to learn about the country’s approach to digital government and the use of technology to improve public services.
Artificial intelligence and satellite technology
Dr Bawumia visited the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, where the delegation learned about research in deep learning and generative artificial intelligence.
The engagement examined the potential application of AI in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and education, including how research can be turned into practical solutions.
The delegation also held talks with Japanese space technology companies, including Axelspace, on the use of satellite data to monitor deforestation, flooding, drought and crop conditions.
Healthcare and flood management
At Chiba University, discussions focused on vaccine research and manufacturing, including the scientific and industrial capacity needed to support vaccine development.
Dr Bawumia and his team also met officials of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to discuss flood prevention and river management.
The engagement offered an opportunity to examine measures that could inform Ghana’s response to recurring floods and other infrastructure challenges.
Call for long-term national plans
Following his engagements, Dr Bawumia called for Ghana’s political parties to support long-term national masterplans that would guide infrastructure development across successive governments.
He identified flood control, coastal protection and public transport as areas where shared plans could help ensure that major projects continue when political leadership changes.
The former vice president thanked his hosts for sharing their experiences and said the tour had provided insights into the application of technology and long-term policy planning to national development.
Source: Omanghana
