Ghana launches second cohort of JICA-supported training programme to boost public service delivery in West Africa

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC), has opened the second cohort of the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) on “Kaizen for Enhanced Public Service Delivery” for English-speaking West African countries.

The opening ceremony, held on 17 November 2025 at the CSTC in Accra, brought together 30 participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ghana. Senior officials from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of JICA and CSTC attended the event.

JICA’s Chief Representative, Madam Momoko Suzuki, underscored the importance of strengthening regional collaboration to address persistent challenges in public administration.

She observed that issues such as bureaucratic delays, inefficiencies, and resource constraints cut across national boundaries, making joint solutions crucial.

Suzuki encouraged foreign missions and civil service institutions in the participating countries to deepen partnerships with CSTC and help expand future cohorts.

Diplomatic representatives, including the Ambassador of Liberia to Ghana, H.E. Musa Jatu-Rhule, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Adeoye Dayo, and the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Ghana, H.E. Mohammed Hassan Kaisamba, also delivered goodwill messages.

They reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to improving public sector performance and enhancing cooperation across the sub-region.

The Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission of Japan, Mr. Mitori Naoki, represented the Government of Japan and echoed similar sentiments.

For more than 15 years, JICA has worked closely with CSTC to enhance institutional capacity, modernize training programmes, and upgrade facilities.

Through this partnership, CSTC has evolved into a regional Centre of Excellence equipped with a modern Learning Management System and strengthened technical resources to support West Africa’s civil service reforms.

The two-week programme blends lectures, practical sessions, and study tours, building on an online preparatory course completed by participants before arriving in Accra.

Rooted in the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, the training emphasizes practical problem-solving, teamwork, and incremental steps toward improved service delivery.

CSTC expressed gratitude to JICA and the diplomatic missions for their continuous support, noting that the programme is expected to broaden regional collaboration and contribute to more effective public institutions across West Africa.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith