Ghana and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations, with emphasis on trade, investment, technology transfer, critical minerals and human capital development.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who represented the government at the celebration of Korea’s National Foundation Day in Accra last Friday, said Ghana was seeking to build a partnership with Korea that went beyond traditional development assistance.
He said Ghana wanted to leverage Korea’s technology, capital and expertise to add value to its natural resources and create opportunities for its young population.
“We want a partnership where Ghana’s resources and talent meet Korea’s technology, capital and expertise to create value,” he said.
The minister said the two countries had complementary strengths, with Ghana offering abundant natural resources, a youthful population and a growing digital economy. Korea, on the other hand, had significant expertise in technology, manufacturing and innovation.
New areas of cooperation
Mr Buah said the 2026 visit of President John Dramani Mahama to Korea and his meeting with President Lee Jae Myung had created renewed momentum for bilateral cooperation.
He said discussions between the two leaders covered strategic areas, including agribusiness, maritime security, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure,
railways, trade and capacity building.
He said cooperation in critical minerals offered significant opportunities in exploration, responsible mining, processing and value addition.
The minister also highlighted growing collaboration in agriculture, education, health, infrastructure and vocational training, as well as increasing people-to-people exchanges through tourism, business and Korean culture.
Korea’s development support
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, said Korea was committed to sharing its development experience and resources with Ghana.
He said Korean development cooperation with Ghana covered areas such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, health, education and the environment.
Mr Park said, Korea was launching a $28-million digital basic education capacity-building programme to improve young Ghanaians’ access to digital tools and education.
He also said the two countries were developing a 100-hectare rice seed production complex, using Korean rice varieties, as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s food security.
“AI and digital innovation are among the priority areas of Korea’s ODA cooperation with Ghana, and we are already translating this priority into concrete action,” he said.
Mr Park noted that next year would mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and Korea, saying the milestone would be commemorated through a series of activities.
He said bilateral trade had increased approximately 38-fold since 1977, while Korean companies had established a growing presence in Ghana, particularly in motor vehicles, home appliances, manufacturing and fisheries.
He also called for the ratification of the Korea-Ghana Framework Agreement on Climate Change Cooperation by Ghana’s Parliament, saying it could facilitate climate-related projects by Korean companies in Ghana and generate additional economic opportunities.
The Ambassador further stated that 219 Ghanaian students had benefited from Global Korea Scholarships, while 179 Ghanaian health workers and more than 1,800 government officials had participated in Korean-supported training programmes.
The celebration brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders and members of the Korean community in Ghana.
