CHIBA, Japan— The visit was prompted by H.E. Dr. Bawumia’s interest in research led by Professor Yasunari Matsuno of the Graduate School of Engineering at Chiba University, which focuses on the selective leaching and recovery of gold and other metals using iodine, a resource for which Chiba Prefecture is also well known. H.E. Dr. Bawumia saw strong potential in this research for addressing the environmental and health challenges facing Ghana, one of the world’s leading gold-producing countries. The visit was arranged with the support of H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Ghana.
Building on the strong international research partnerships that Chiba University has established in areas such as vaccine development, the meeting provided a highly meaningful opportunity to discuss how the university can support Ghana’s sustainable development through collaboration in both engineering and medical sciences.
1. Background of the Visit
① Environmental and Health Challenges in Gold Mining and Gold Recovery Technology
In the Republic of Ghana, one of the world’s leading gold-producing countries, gold mining is a vital industry that supports the national economy. However, mercury pollution from gold processing, particularly in small-scale mining operations, and its harmful effects on the health of miners and local communities have become serious social challenges. There is a growing need for sustainable gold processing technologies that minimize environmental impact.
Against this background, Dr. Bawumia had expressed strong interest in the selective leaching and recovery of gold, a technology being developed under the leadership of Professor Yasunari Matsuno at Chiba University’s Graduate School of Engineering.
② Building on Longstanding Partnerships in Medical Sciences: Joint Vaccine Development
Chiba University has established a strong partnership with Ghana in healthcare and biotechnology, centered on the Synergy Institute for Futuristic Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development (cSIMVa). In 2023, the university signed an MOU with Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI). More recently, on October 1, 2026, Chiba University signed an MOU on international research collaboration for next-generation vaccine development with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at the University of Ghana. The university also hosted an international vaccine and infectious disease workshop attended by H.E.Humpherey C.Ajongbah, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Japan, and other representatives. Through these initiatives, Chiba University has built a solid partnership with Ghana in vaccine and infectious disease research and the training of early-career researchers.
2. Main Areas of Cooperation and Highlights of Discussion
The meeting was attended by Chiba University President Koutaro Yokote; Executive Vice President Hiroaki Ozawa; Professor Yasunari Matsuno from the Graduate School of Engineering; Professor Yoshiyuki Chihara, Head of the Administrative and Support Division at cSIMVa; and Associate Professor Yoko Oe, Research Administrator at cSIMVa.
Following welcoming remarks by President Yokote and Dr. Bawumia, participants received a presentation introducing Chiba University’s advanced research achievements, followed by detailed discussions on two key areas of cooperation.
Participants discussed how academic expertise and technological advances could be applied to address local challenges and put research outcomes into practice, taking a multifaceted approach to both environmental protection and public health—two essential areas for sustainable societal development.
■ Future Outlook
Building on this visit, Chiba University will further strengthen its multifaceted partnerships with educational and research institutions in the Republic of Ghana. With the Graduate School of Engineering playing a central role, the university aims to develop a sustainable resource circulation model that balances environmental conservation with resource development. At the same time, Chiba University will actively advance joint vaccine development with NMIMR and NVI, in collaboration with cSIMVa, as well as the development of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Through these efforts, the university aims to contribute to a sustainable future for Ghana and the international community from both environmental and health perspectives.