President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new academic exchange programme between Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, and Ghana’s University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) at Bonsu in the Eastern Region.
The initiative will enable lecturers and students from both institutions to participate in exchange programmes, promoting knowledge sharing and academic cooperation between Ghana and South Korea.
President Mahama made the announcement during the Ghana Day Independence Celebration in Seoul, South Korea, as part of activities during his official visit to the country.
He noted that Yonsei University has played a key role in supporting the development of the university campus in Ghana, expressing optimism about the future of the partnership.
Under the arrangement, lecturers and students from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development will travel to South Korea for academic exchanges, while Korean lecturers will also visit Ghana to teach and collaborate with students.
The President stated that the partnership demonstrates that knowledge and academic collaboration can transcend geographical distance.
He recalled that the journey to Korea took two days due to the need to reroute flights because of the conflict in the Middle East, but stressed that such distance should not hinder the pursuit of knowledge and cooperation.
President Mahama expressed confidence that the academic partnership will serve as a strong symbol of the growing relationship between Ghana and South Korea.
He called for continued cooperation between the two countries, noting that stronger educational ties will contribute to innovation, research, and development for the benefit of both nations.
The President was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration by Yonsei University in recognition of his distinguished contributions to national transformation, economic development, and engagement with the global academic community.
President of Yonsei University, Professor Dong-Sup Yoon, disclosed that Yonsei and the Republic of Ghana have been working together since 2019 on the establishment of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development.
He stated that the university stands as a milestone that symbolizes all the achievements both parties have built together.
The Yonsei University President expressed hope that the cooperation will continue to expand, enabling Ghana and Yonsei University to become even closer partners in education, research, and scientific and technological innovation.
The Ghana Day Independence Celebration in Seoul brought together Ghanaians living, studying, and working in South Korea, as well as Korean dignitaries and friends of Ghana.
The academic exchange programme is expected to commence following the formalization of operational modalities between the two institutions.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
