Ghana and South Korea are set to enhance their diplomatic relations through a series of significant development initiatives, including the establishment of a new university, a Hyundai automotive manufacturing facility for West Africa, and the introduction of solar-powered irrigation systems.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a post on his Facebook page, following the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in South Korea.
Co-chairing the meeting with South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyan, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized the importance of this engagement in strengthening collaboration between Africa and South Korea across various sectors, such as technology, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and education.
”It has been an honor to co-chair the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with my esteemed colleague, H.E. Cho Hyan,” he stated.
The minister revealed that both nations are pursuing numerous ambitious bilateral projects that encompass energy, agriculture, maritime, education, shipbuilding, infrastructure, and health.
He announced plans to open a new university in Ghana this year, set up a Hyundai automotive plant to cater to the West African market, and implement innovative solar irrigation systems designed to enhance agricultural productivity.
The partnership is also expected to extend into emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy solutions, and critical minerals.
”In addition, we have agreed to collaborate on AI and establish new partnerships in energy and critical minerals,” he noted.
Progress is also being made on discussions regarding a comprehensive visa waiver agreement between the two nations.
The minister disclosed that holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries have already secured visa exemption arrangements, with ongoing negotiations aimed at expanding this agreement to include all passport types.
”The negotiations for a visa waiver covering all passport categories are advancing well, with arrangements already in place for diplomatic and service passport holders,” he stated.
Ablakwa further praised South Korea for backing a Ghana-led United Nations resolution that recognized the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as a grave crime against humanity.
He highlighted the enduring relationship between the two countries and expressed optimism as they approach the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations in 2027.
”Africa and the Republic of Korea share a colonial history and are committed to establishing a new mutually beneficial partnership that transforms nations and creates opportunities for our people,” he remarked.
The minister added that Africa’s drive for industrialization, value addition, and job creation aligns well with South Korea’s capabilities as a global leader in technology and manufacturing, paving the way for new avenues of cooperation across the continent.
These latest agreements are anticipated to enhance investment, facilitate technology transfer, and create job opportunities in Ghana while reinforcing economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations ahead of their upcoming diplomatic golden jubilee next year.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong