Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung held summit talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, agreeing to deepen bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as trade, maritime security, climate change, and agriculture.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions marked a significant enhancement in the relationship between South Korea and Ghana, with both leaders expressing a commitment to expanding their collaborative efforts.
President Lee emphasized the importance of Ghana as a strategic partner and gateway to the African market, highlighting the growing trade and investment ties between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for Ghana's cooperation in ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in the Gulf of Guinea, a region troubled by piracy threats. Lee also noted Ghana's pivotal role as a maritime nation in West Africa, underscoring its significance for South Korea's entry into the continent.
President Mahama's visit to South Korea, the first by an African leader since Lee took office in June 2025, is seen as a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship. Ghana, recognized as one of Africa's leading democracies, serves as a crucial trade and logistics hub in the region, hosting the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Maritime security remains a key area of focus for both countries. Past incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea have underscored the need for enhanced cooperation. To this end, the Korea Coast Guard and the Ghanaian Navy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost intelligence sharing on international maritime crimes and collaborate on maritime search and rescue operations.
The summit also resulted in the signing of a climate change cooperation agreement, providing a legal framework for collaboration under the countries' national climate action plans, in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the two nations signed an MOU to advance projects related to technology, digital access, artificial intelligence, and youth training.
President Mahama expressed admiration for South Korea, citing the shared democratic values and histories of both nations. He highlighted the potential for joint exploration of critical minerals, such as lithium and nickel, leveraging Ghana's natural resources and South Korea's technological prowess. The "K-Ricebelt Project," a significant development initiative aimed at enhancing food security in Africa, was also recognized as a cornerstone of the agricultural partnership between the countries.
Both leaders voiced optimism that the summit would yield tangible benefits for their citizens, paving the way for a stronger partnership as they approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Mahama welcomed the maritime security agreement, emphasizing its importance in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.