The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has announced a new academic exchange programme between Yonsei University in Seoul and the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) at Bonsu in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening collaboration in higher education and research between Ghana and South Korea through the exchange of lecturers and students.
President Mahama made the announcement during the Ghana Day Independence Celebration in Seoul as part of activities marking his official visit to South Korea.
According to the President, the partnership will enable lecturers and students from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development to travel to South Korea for academic exchanges, while Korean lecturers will also visit Ghana to teach and collaborate with students.
“This initiative will allow lecturers and students from both institutions to participate in exchange programmes that promote knowledge sharing and academic cooperation between Ghana and South Korea,” President Mahama said.
He noted that Yonsei University has already played an important role in supporting the development of a university campus in Ghana and expressed optimism about the future of the partnership.
“Yonsei University has played a key role in supporting the development of a university campus in Ghana, and we are optimistic about the future of this partnership,” he stated.
President Mahama emphasised that academic cooperation between the two institutions demonstrates how knowledge and education can bridge geographical distance.
“Knowledge and academic collaboration can transcend geographical distance,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey to South Korea, the President revealed that the trip took longer than expected due to global security developments.
“We had to reroute our flights because of the conflict in the Middle East, and it took two days to arrive here. But distance should never hinder the pursuit of knowledge and cooperation,” he noted.
President Mahama expressed confidence that the new academic partnership would become a strong symbol of the growing relationship between the two countries.
“I believe this academic partnership will stand as a powerful symbol of the growing relationship between Ghana and South Korea,” he said.
He further called for continued cooperation between the two nations, stressing that stronger educational partnerships will contribute to innovation, research and development.
“Stronger educational ties will contribute to innovation, research and development for the benefit of both nations,” the President added.
During the visit, President Mahama was also conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration by Yonsei University in recognition of his distinguished contributions to national transformation, economic development and his engagement with the global academic community.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
