Mahama holds talks with South Korean President, signs key cooperation deals during Korea visit

 

President John Dramani Mahama is currently on a four-day working visit to the South Korea aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment and technology between the two countries.

The visit, which began on March 10, 2026, has seen the Ghanaian leader engage in several high-level meetings and institutional activities in the South Korean capital, Seoul.

Bilateral summit and cooperation agreements

A key highlight of the visit was a bilateral summit between President Mahama and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the presidential office in Seoul.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Ghana–Korea relations and signed a number of cooperation agreements covering maritime security, climate action and digital innovation.

Among the agreements signed was a Memorandum of Understanding between the Korea Coast Guard and the Ghana Navy aimed at strengthening joint efforts to combat piracy and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Engagement with Korea’s National Assembly

President Mahama also held discussions with the Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly, Woo Won-shik.

The meeting focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Ghana and South Korea, as well as exploring ways both legislatures can collaborate to support bilateral development initiatives.

Kojo Choi appointed Ghana’s Ambassador

In another significant development during the trip, President Mahama officially appointed Kojo Choi (formerly Choi Seung Eub), a naturalised Ghanaian of South Korean origin, as Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea.

The appointment is expected to further enhance diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

Ship-naming ceremony in Ulsan

As part of his itinerary, President Mahama is expected to attend a ship-naming ceremony at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan.

The vessel being commissioned is intended to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Ghana, a move aimed at strengthening energy logistics and trade relations between the two countries.

Academic recognition at Yonsei University

President Mahama is also scheduled to attend a special ceremony at Yonsei University where he will deliver a speech during an academic conferment event.

The visit highlights growing academic and research collaboration opportunities between Ghanaian and South Korean institutions.

Engagement with investors and Ghanaian diaspora

During the visit, the President is expected to host a dinner with Korean business leaders to promote investment opportunities in Ghana, particularly in the areas of technology, manufacturing and infrastructure.

He will also meet members of the Ghanaian community in South Korea, including students and professionals, to discuss their contributions to national development.

Cultural welcome and diplomatic gestures

Upon arrival in Seoul, President Mahama was welcomed with a number of cultural gestures by his hosts.

The Korean presidential office presented him with a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and specially prepared Lotte Ghana chocolate made primarily with cocoa sourced from Ghana.

Travel and visa discussions

President Mahama arrived in South Korea aboard a private jet owned by his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

During the visit, the President also expressed interest in establishing a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports between Ghana and South Korea to further facilitate bilateral cooperation.

The four-day visit is expected to further strengthen Ghana’s strategic partnership with South Korea, particularly in areas such as maritime security, technology transfer, trade and investment.