John Dramani Mahama met with Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea, on Wednesday, March 11, for high-level talks aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries in trade, maritime security, climate action and agriculture.
The meeting highlighted the growing partnership between Ghana and South Korea, with both leaders expressing commitment to expanding collaboration across several strategic sectors.
In his opening remarks, President Lee noted the strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries and described Ghana as an important gateway to the African market.
“Ghana is a country we are grateful to, as it has actively cooperated in ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy threats persist,” Lee said.
He added that Ghana’s geographical position in West Africa makes it a reliable entry point for South Korea’s engagement with the broader African market.
President Lee also described Ghana as a “long-standing friend,” pointing to the shared history of both nations in overcoming colonialism and periods of authoritarian rule to establish stable democratic systems.
He expressed optimism about further strengthening ties as the two countries prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
“The two countries have achieved meaningful results in cooperation across various areas, including maritime security, trade and agriculture,” Lee said. “I hope President Mahama’s visit will lead to tangible outcomes that the people of both countries can truly feel.”
During the summit, Ghana and South Korea signed several agreements to deepen cooperation in key areas. These include a climate change partnership aligned with the Paris Agreement, as well as a maritime security memorandum of understanding between the Korea Coast Guard and the Ghana Navy aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Another agreement focuses on supporting projects in technology development, digital access, artificial intelligence and youth training.
President Mahama described South Korea as a friendly nation that shares similar democratic values with Ghana.
He also highlighted the growing cultural connection between the two countries, noting that many young Ghanaians — including his own children — are fans of K-pop.
Agriculture, he said, remains an important pillar of the partnership. Mahama referenced South Korea’s K-Ricebelt Project, a major development initiative designed to improve food security in Africa by supporting the production of high-yield rice varieties.
Looking ahead, the Ghanaian leader also pointed to opportunities for collaboration in the mining sector. He noted that Ghana’s rich natural resources, combined with South Korea’s advanced technology, could create strong synergies, particularly in the exploration of strategic minerals such as lithium and nickel.