The South Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, has indicated that the inauguration of new administrations in both Ghana and South Korea this year offers a unique opportunity to open a fresh chapter in Ghana-South Korea relations.
He highlighted key areas of collaboration such as trade and investment, climate change and development cooperation.
“In Korea, the Lee Jae-myeong administration started its term in June. In Ghana, the Mahama administration started its term in January, following last December’s peaceful presidential elections. I sincerely hope that the two new administrations open up a new era of cooperation and friendship,” Mr Kyongsig said.
He made these remarks in Accra yesterday during a reception to mark the 4,358th National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea.
National Foundation Day
National Foundation Day is marked on October 3 each year to celebrate the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC.
The date has traditionally been regarded as the date for the founding of the Korean people.
This year’s occasion was filled with exciting activities with the attendees, which included members of the diplomatic community, government officials and some high-profile individuals, treated to an array of authentic Korean cuisine.
Ghana-Korea relations
Mr Kyongsig noted that the two countries already shared strong bonds, citing Ghana’s reputation as a model democracy and regional leader and Korea’s readiness to partner Accra in regional and global affairs.
He said Korea looked forward to working closely with Ghana at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, where it currently serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.
The ambassador further disclosed ongoing discussions on a framework agreement on climate change cooperation, which, once signed, would pave the way for Korean firms to roll out climate-related projects in Ghana.
Kojo Choi’s appointment
Mr Kyongsig further mentioned that the nomination of a Korean-born naturalised Ghanaian, Kojo Choi, as Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea, would serve as a catalyst for further strengthening of relations between the two countries.
“Kojo Choi’s nomination as ambassador clearly symbolises the close ties between our nations. I strongly believe that he will be the catalyst for further boosting of our cooperation,” Mr Kyongsig said.
Commendation
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, commended Korea for being a reliable and long-term development partner.
He noted that the peaceful transfer of power in both countries offered fresh opportunities for enhanced Ghana–Korea collaboration.
Mr Quayson welcomed President Lee Jae-myeong’s reaffirmation of Korea’s commitment to the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), saying it demonstrated the country’s reliability as a development partner.
He pointed to ongoing and planned projects under Korea’s ODA, including the completion of a $2.3 million health centre at Abutia Kpota in the Volta Region, host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, which positioned the country as a gateway to a $3.4 trillion African market.
He also lauded Korea’s $500 million support through the World Food Programme to address food insecurity in northern Ghana, as a gesture of solidarity that aligned with Ghana’s Green Jobs Strategy and broader climate resilience agenda.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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