By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Sept. 5, GNA – The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Ghana, as the two nations marked Korea’s National Day in Accra with renewed pledges of friendship, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Park Kyongsig of the Republic of Korea, addressing an audience of government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, and the Ghanaian-Korean community, reflected on the significance of the day, which commemorates the founding of Korea by the legendary Dan-gun.
He said Dan-gun’s philosophy of “widely benefiting mankind” had guided Korea’s global relations, including its cordial ties with Ghana.
“Two new administrations in both our countries mark 2025 as a meaningful turning point for our relations,” Ambassador Park noted, recalling the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung in Korea in June and President John Dramani Mahama in Ghana in January following peaceful elections.
He said, “I sincerely hope that the two new administrations open up a new era of cooperation and friendship.”
He highlighted the nomination of Kojo Choi, a Korean-born naturalised Ghanaian citizen, as Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to Korea, describing it as “a clear symbol of the close ties between our nations” and a catalyst for deepening cooperation.
This year’s celebration featured vibrant side attractions that thrilled guests beyond the formal proceedings as patrons were treated to authentic Korean cuisine, had the chance to try on traditional hanbok attire, and participated in traditional games made globally popular by the hit series Squid Game.
The cultural showcase was further energized by live K-Pop performances, which drew enthusiastic applause and underscored the growing influence of Korean music and youth culture in Ghana.
Ambassador Park praised the robustness of economic cooperation between the two countries, pointing to the expansion of Korean businesses in Ghana and their potential to use the country as a hub for the West African region.
He cited Ghana’s economic growth prospects under government policies such as the Big Push initiative and the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Korean companies see Ghana as an attractive investment destination, and we anticipate further development of economic relations,” he said.
On the environment, he revealed that the two countries were working towards signing a Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Climate Change and that “When signed, the agreement will not only contribute to tackling climate change issues but also create jobs, opportunities, and government revenue for Ghana.”
Ambassador Park further underscored Korea’s development cooperation, recalling that Ghana remained one of Korea’s priority partners in West Africa.
He outlined ongoing projects in health, agriculture, education, and environment, supported by agencies such as KOICA, KOFIH, and the Korean Exim Bank.
He cited Korea’s provision of five million dollars last December through the World Food Programme to assist farmers in northern Ghana affected by prolonged drought.
Turning to cultural exchange, the Ambassador expressed delight at the growing popularity of Korean culture in Ghana, with events ranging from K-Pop festivals and theatre collaborations to taekwondo competitions and the upcoming Korean Film Festival.
Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated Korea on its National Foundation Day and commended Ambassador Park and the embassy for their hospitality, describing the occasion as a celebration of the enduring philosophy of benefiting humanity, which underpins Korea’s nationhood and resonates strongly with Ghana.
“Ghana deeply values the strong and evolving partnership we share with the Republic of Korea,” Mr. Quayson said, noting that the new administrations in both countries presented fresh opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
He welcomed the inauguration of President Lee Jong-un and his “forward-looking foreign policy anchored on strategic cooperation and inclusive development.”
The Deputy Minister particularly lauded Korea’s continued commitment to the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), assuring that Ghana viewed Korea as “a reliable development partner.”
He stressed that ongoing projects, including those supported by KOICA and KOFIH, aligned with Ghana’s resetting agenda of revitalising the economy and strengthening institutions.
Citing the allocation of 43 million dollars in Official Development Assistance to Ghana this year, with 32 million earmarked for 2025 projects, he pointed to the recently completed 10-bed health care centre at Abutea in the Volta Region as a tangible example of Korea’s impact.
Mr. Quayson also acknowledged growing industrial cooperation, referencing the establishment of the KIA vehicle assembly plant in 2023, which he said supported Ghana’s industrialisation drive while creating jobs and enhancing skills.
“As host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana offers a gateway to a unified African market, and Korea’s support for regional integration underscores our shared commitment to inclusive growth,” he said, adding that Ghana’s Big Push initiative aligned with Korea’s engagement in industrial and infrastructure development.
On climate cooperation, the Deputy Minister welcomed Korea’s support for Ghana’s resilience agenda, including its contributions to food security and the framework agreement on climate change.
“These initiatives not only address global challenges but also create local opportunities for innovation and green employment,” he noted.
He also praised cultural exchanges such as K-Pop festivals and traditional games for fostering mutual understanding. Looking to the future, he envisioned deeper collaboration in digital innovation, renewable energy, technical and vocational education, and creative industries.
The Deputy Foreign Minister assured Korea of Ghana’s readiness to work closely in multilateral forums such as the United Nations to promote peace-building and sustainable development.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie