Ghana and South Korea have taken a significant step to deepen bilateral relations by signing a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking a new chapter in over five decades of diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, on the sidelines of the Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul.
The pact allows holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries to travel visa-free, a move expected to facilitate official engagements, strengthen diplomatic ties, and promote closer cooperation between Accra and Seoul.
Speaking as co-chair of the ministerial meeting, Ablakwa described the agreement as a milestone achievement that reflects the enduring friendship and mutual respect that have characterized Ghana–South Korea relations for more than 50 years.
He praised South Korea for its commitment to strengthening engagement with Africa and underscored the importance of expanding economic cooperation, trade, and investment between South Korea and African nations.
According to the Ghanaian foreign minister, Africa is undergoing a period of significant transformation, with governments across the continent pursuing ambitious programmes aimed at accelerating industrialization, improving infrastructure, and enhancing regional integration.
He stressed that achieving these objectives would require strategic partnerships with countries such as South Korea, which has extensive experience in economic development, technological innovation, and industrial growth.
“Africa is ready for partnerships that support value addition, job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development,” Ablakwa noted, adding that stronger collaboration between South Korea and Africa would generate shared prosperity and mutual benefits.
The minister also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in key sectors including infrastructure, digital technology, renewable energy, agriculture, education, public health, and manufacturing.
The visa waiver agreement is expected to further strengthen diplomatic engagement and create a more enabling environment for cooperation between the two countries as they seek to expand bilateral and multilateral relations.
The signing took place during the Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from across Africa and South Korea to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, development, and global governance.
Observers say the agreement demonstrates the growing importance of Ghana–South Korea relations and reinforces broader efforts to build stronger partnerships between Africa and Asia in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Story By: Eric Boateng
