Ghana and the Republic of Korea have signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
The agreement reflects relations that have developed over more than five decades.
This agreement was announced during the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers Meeting in Seoul on Monday.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the development as a reflection of growing trust and deepening cooperation between the two countries.
The visa arrangement is expected to ease official travel, strengthen diplomatic engagement, and support expanded cooperation in trade, investment, education and technology exchange.
Mr Ablakwa said the agreement reflects the maturity of Ghana-Korea relations built over decades of political, economic and cultural engagement.
He said the gesture shows that the Republic of Korea does not support any form of stigmatisation of Africa or broad generalisations made in response to isolated health concerns.
The minister added that the partnership is continuing to develop toward practical and mutually beneficial outcomes.
He said the relationship between both countries has evolved into a strategic partnership anchored in shared interests and respect.
“Today’s gathering reflects the growing strength and strategic importance of Africa-Korea relations,” he said.
The Minister noted that the agreement comes at a time when both sides are seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas into sectors such as digital innovation, energy transition, manufacturing and critical minerals development.
He said Ghana values Korea’s long-standing support for development initiatives across Africa, including capacity building, technical assistance and infrastructure development.
Mr Ablakwa also pointed to Korea’s support for recent international efforts led by Ghana at the United Nations, describing it as an example of solidarity on global justice issues.
“South Korea was unflinchingly behind us in this quest for historical justice and truth,” he said, referencing cooperation on a UN resolution backed by multiple countries.
He said global challenges such as economic uncertainty, climate shocks and supply chain disruptions make stronger partnerships essential.
He said that no country or region can address these challenges alone, noting that cooperation is essential for building resilience.
The Minister said Africa’s young population, expanding markets and natural resource base position the continent as a strong partner for Korea’s industrial and technological strengths.
He said both sides are now moving toward cooperation that delivers jobs, skills transfer and industrial growth aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 framework.
The meeting also reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across agriculture, health, renewable energy, education and governance reform, with both sides expressing commitment to deepen engagement.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
