Gloria Anderson
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ghana has sparked a critical debate on the future of Ghana’s education system following a high-level exchange event between students from the University of Ghana and the University of Tokyo. The forum, which facilitated a cross-cultural dialogue, raised questions about discipline, structure, and the overall effectiveness of Ghana’s approach to education.
A major highlight of the event was the screening of The Making of a Japanese, a documentary that showcased the rigorous and structured nature of Japan’s basic school system. The film, which depicted daily student life in Japan, ignited a conversation on whether Ghanaian schools are doing enough to instill discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of national responsibility in students.
Speaking at the forum, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, underscored the values embedded in Japan’s education model. “Japanese education is not just about academic excellence; it is about discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. We believe these principles can be beneficial to Ghana if adapted effectively,” he stated. He also revealed ongoing discussions between the Japanese government and Ghana’s Ministry of Education on potential student exchange programmes.
Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Momoko Suzuki, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that education should go beyond the classroom. “It is not only about passing exams; it is about developing life skills, teamwork, and understanding one’s role in society. This is a core aspect of Japan’s education system,” she explained.
The forum also saw Ghanaian and Japanese students engage in thought-provoking discussions about their respective education systems. While Ghanaian students praised the flexibility and creativity in their academic curriculum, their Japanese counterparts emphasised the benefits of structure and discipline.
Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana, Professor Lloyd Amoah, challenged Ghanaians to re-examine their approach to education and national responsibility. “We love our cities, our surroundings, but are we as orderly as we should be? Japan has a collective sense of self, and we can learn from that. We need to instill discipline in our society, starting from the classroom,” he remarked.
The forum marks another step in JICA Ghana’s continued efforts to strengthen educational cooperation between the two nations. With JICA’s long-standing support for teacher training and curriculum development in Ghana since 2015, stakeholders believe that such initiatives will lead to practical changes in Ghana’s education system.
As discussions continue, the question remains—should Ghana adopt a more structured, disciplined education model similar to Japan, or does the country’s current system provide enough flexibility for innovation? The debate is far from over.
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