The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has called for Ghana to adopt Kaizen as a national policy. This initiative aims to boost productivity, strengthen institutions, and improve service delivery across Ghana's public and private sectors. JICA's proposal comes as Ghana's labour productivity, which grew by 3.06% in 2024, remains significantly below its long-term historical average of 6.06%.
Takayuki Uchiyama, JICA Ghana Chief Representative, explained that Ghana’s development requires more than just infrastructure and policy changes. He noted that structural inefficiencies, bureaucratic delays, and weak workplace systems still affect productivity. These issues demand a change in mindset towards continuous improvement and efficiency.
This push for a national Kaizen policy fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of seeking sustainable growth. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reports that while the 3.06% labour productivity increase in 2024 is encouraging, it indicates a gap to be addressed. Achieving higher productivity is critical for Ghana's aspiration to reduce poverty and achieve middle-income status. The government's focus on economic transformation, including the 24-Hour Economy initiative, can benefit from such a framework.
Mr. Uchiyama emphasized Kaizen's role in Japan's post-war economic growth. He stated, “Japan's post-war transformation did not happen by chance. It was driven by a deliberate national commitment to discipline, efficiency, teamwork and continuous improvement.” He also cited Ethiopia's successful implementation of Kaizen, establishing an Excellence Centre and integrating it into various sectors. This led to improved industrial performance and stronger work culture in Ethiopia.
A national Kaizen policy could significantly impact Ghana’s economy by enhancing accountability in public institutions. It would also strengthen the competitiveness of local industries and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Improved service delivery and a stronger work ethic among citizens are other expected outcomes. Decision-makers will likely consider integrating these principles into existing frameworks like the ASPIRE initiative. The successful adoption could attract more foreign direct investment, focusing on operational excellence.
JICA, UNIDO, and the Ethiopia Kaizen Excellence Centre believe Ghana is ready for full national adoption of Kaizen. Mr. Uchiyama reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Ghana. This support includes partnerships focused on productivity and human resource development. The ongoing partnership between Ghana and Japan will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Julius Debrah, has acknowledged the importance of the Kaizen programme. This suggests a growing interest within the Ghanaian government to explore such initiatives for national development.