Lee Jae Myung and John Dramani Mahama agreed on Wednesday to expand cooperation between South Korea and Ghana in areas including climate action, digital technology and maritime security following summit talks in Seoul.
The meeting marked a step forward in bilateral relations as the two countries seek stronger collaboration in economic development, resource exploration and regional security.
During the summit, the leaders witnessed the signing of three agreements aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation. These include a climate-change cooperation accord, a memorandum of understanding on technology and digital innovation, and a maritime safety and security agreement between the Korea Coast Guard and the Ghana Navy.
President Lee said the maritime security pact would enhance coordinated efforts to combat threats in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most strategically important yet security-challenged maritime regions.
He also expressed appreciation for the Ghanaian navy’s role in ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals operating in the region.
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“Ghana’s navy has played an important role in protecting our citizens and vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea,” Lee said, adding that the new agreement would further strengthen joint policing and maritime safety initiatives.
The two countries share an interest in securing global trade routes and addressing maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking that have periodically disrupted shipping activity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Mahama, who returned to power earlier this year for a second term, said the partnership with South Korea could help Ghana expand its economic transformation agenda, particularly through technological cooperation and investment in natural resources.
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Speaking after the meeting, Mahama highlighted Ghana’s significant reserves of strategic minerals and invited South Korean companies to partner in exploration and value-chain development.
“Ghana is endowed with critical minerals including bauxite, manganese, gold, lithium and nickel,” he said, noting that the government is keen to work with South Korean partners to develop these resources and build value-added industries.
South Korea is a global leader in electronics manufacturing, advanced technologies and industrial processing, sectors that Ghana hopes to leverage as it seeks to move beyond raw commodity exports.
Officials from both sides said collaboration in digital innovation would also support Ghana’s growing technology sector and improve digital infrastructure, while opening new opportunities for startups and investment partnerships.
Beyond the agreements signed, the two leaders discussed broader areas of cooperation including agriculture, education, culture and economic security.
They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the importance of international cooperation in maintaining stability and economic growth.
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The summit comes as both countries pursue stronger ties with partners across regions. Ghana has been seeking new strategic partnerships to support industrialisation and infrastructure development, while South Korea has been expanding diplomatic and economic engagement across Africa.
Trade between the two nations has grown steadily over the years, with South Korean companies active in sectors such as construction, electronics and automotive distribution in Ghana.
Analysts say closer cooperation in critical minerals could become a key pillar of the relationship, particularly as global demand rises for materials used in batteries, renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.
For Ghana, partnerships that include technology transfer and local processing are seen as crucial for boosting employment and capturing greater value from its natural resources.
The agreements signed on Wednesday signal a broader effort by both governments to deepen ties not only in trade and investment but also in security and innovation, areas that officials say will shape the next phase of the bilateral relationship.
