Thirty Ghanaian government officials to undertake Master's programmes under KOICA grant
The Government of the Republic of Korea through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has granted 30 master's degree scholarships to Ghanaian Government officials to undertake in Korea.
The scholars will undertake courses in Urban Development Policy, Gender Equality Leadership, Finance and Tax Policy, Industry and Trade Policy, Public Management and Public Policy Reforms, Public Administration, Water Resources Management, Global Education Leadership, Social Economy, Response to Climate Change, Global ICT Policy and host of other courses for the 2019 to 2021 academic year.
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The Deputy Country Director of KOICA Ghana Ms. Jeongyi Choi at a pre-departure orientation hosted at the Korean embassy said the master's degree scholarship programme is funded by the government of the Republic of Korea through KO1CA.
“It has been contributing to not only individuals but also institutions and systems of our partner countries since it was added to KOICA's global strategic portfolio in 1997”, she said.
The beneficiaries would study in 20 universities including ChungAng University, Ehwa Womans University Korea University, KyungHee University, Seoul National University Sungkyunkwan University, Hankyong National University, KangWon National University and KyungPook National University, PuKyong National University, Yonsei University, Ajou University, HanDong University, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea National University of Education, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Hallym University and lastly Pusan National University.
According to Ms Choi, statistics reveal that since the commencement of the KOICA scholarship scheme in 1997, over 3,400 graduates from 80 different nationalities have been produced globally, with the number increasing each year.
“KOICA’s master’s degree scholarship program is globally competitive because it is open to 58 countries which are, 16 Asian countries 23 African countries, 15 Latin American countries, 5 countries from the Middle East and 5 from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Approximately, 400 applicants are selected for this program every year” she said.
She added that this year, the KOICA Ghana Office received 172 applications from brilliant and exceptional government officials from various state-owned institutions.
She also congratulated the scholars and charged them to rise above all challenges they may face in the course of their stay in Korea.
“The academic journey you are all about to embark on in Korea may come with some challenges as expected but I believe you can rise above then, to succeed just like those who went ahead of you.
Scholar from Ghana always excel in their various courses so well that some become valedictorians, for their graduation”, she said.
For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ghana Mr Kim Sungsoo assured the scholars of a holistic academic experience in Korea, urging them to contribute to the growth and development of Ghana after completing their studies.
“In Korea, you will have the opportunity to experience a vibrant modern society that has incredible new outlooks, its customs and values, as well as its unique sights and sounds, nice food, K-pop such as BTS and the dynamic energy, as you encounter new natural wonders, museums and great landmarks”, he said.