President John Dramani Mahama has called for deeper cooperation between Ghana, Africa, and South Korea, stressing that stronger partnerships between the regions are essential to shaping a fairer and more balanced global future.
The President made the remarks while delivering a lecture at Yonsei University in Seoul, where he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration in recognition of his leadership and contribution to governance and international engagement.
Addressing members of the university’s Board of Trustees, diplomats, government officials, and students, President Mahama centred his lecture on two guiding principles he said define both Ghana and South Korea.
“I wish to focus my lecture today on the two principles that I believe define our countries individually and also unite us in partnership. “And these two are the words excellence and truth.” - President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, these values have shaped the development journeys of both nations and should continue to guide future cooperation.
Shared historical parallels
President Mahama reflected on the historical trajectories of Ghana and South Korea, noting that both countries were at comparable stages of development in the late 1950s.
He recalled that in 1957, Ghana became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule.
“In 1957, Ghana declared its independence from colonial rule, becoming the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to do so,” he said, adding that the country began shaping its national identity soon after independence.
Around the same time, South Korea was emerging from the devastation of the Korean War and rebuilding its economy and institutions.
“People often compare our two countries during this period because our GDPs were roughly the same,” the President noted, while acknowledging that their development paths later diverged significantly.
President Mahama praised South Korea’s remarkable economic transformation over the decades, attributing its success to visionary leadership, strong educational systems, and technological innovation.
“Through strategic vision, investment in education, technological innovation, and unwavering discipline, Korea has transformed itself from a war-torn nation into one of the world’s leading economies.” - President John Dramani Mahama.
He highlighted global companies such as Samsung, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, and LG Electronics as examples of the country’s industrial success.
The President also pointed to the global spread of Korean culture through the Hallyu wave, which has popularised Korean food, entertainment, and lifestyle across the world.
Ghana’s cultural and economic contributions
While acknowledging Korea’s achievements, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s own cultural influence globally, particularly through its diaspora and traditional heritage.
“The world is familiar with our Adinkra symbols, our kente cloth, traditional naming systems, our textiles, our shea butter, and our cocoa.” - President John Dramani Mahama.
He also referenced Ghana’s internationally recognised cocoa industry and noted that Ghana-inspired chocolate products have even been produced by the. Korean confectionery company Lotte Corporation.
In a lighter moment, the President praised Ghanaian cuisine, describing the country’s Jollof rice as “the best in the world,” while also highlighting the global popularity of Ghanaian music genres such as highlife, hiplife, and Afrobeats.
President Mahama stressed that cooperation between Ghana and South Korea must be built on equality and mutual benefit rather than traditional aid relationships.
“This is not a relationship of a benefactor and a beneficiary, but of a genuine partnership between equals, each bringing unique strengths to the table.” - President John Dramani Mahama
He identified education, agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing as key sectors where collaboration could be expanded.
Africa’s demographic opportunity
The President also highlighted Africa’s growing population as a major opportunity for global economic development.
He noted that by 2050, Africa is projected to account for around one-quarter of the world’s population.
“Most remarkably, one third of the world’s youth between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four will come from Africa,” he said, describing the continent’s young population as a major asset for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“These are entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, engineers, and leaders ready to seize the opportunity to thrive,” he added, encouraging Korean institutions and businesses to increase investment across the continent.
Concluding his address, President Mahama emphasised that cooperation between Africa and Asia will be critical as global power dynamics evolve.
“As new alliances and frameworks emerge, Africa and Asia, representing the majority of humanity, must work together to ensure that this new world order is just and equitable.” - President John Dramani Mahama
According to him, stronger Ghana–South Korea cooperation could help shape a global system built on shared values, innovation, and mutual respect.
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