TIG Post

Tag: Korea

  • Improving health of our mothers, newborns remains a priority for us all – Health Minister

    Improving health of our mothers, newborns remains a priority for us all – Health Minister

    The Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing maternal, newborn, and child health in Ghana.

    This commitment was underscored at the 2025 KOFIH-MoH Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Conference and Awards Ceremony held last week.

    The event, held under the theme “Reflections of a Decade of Collaboration to Improve Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Ghana: Sharing Progress and Lessons Learned,” marked ten years of partnership between Ghana and South Korea. Stakeholders gathered to assess progress, share experiences, and highlight the achievements of the collaboration.

    Funded by KOFIH, the initiative has been instrumental in strengthening healthcare systems and capacity-building efforts, with a focus on the Volta and Oti Regions.

    Delivering an address on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry, acknowledged South Korea’s contributions to Ghana’s health sector development.

    “The Korean government has been very supportive of our efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana,” Dr. Taher stated, recognizing the impact of the partnership in enhancing healthcare services.

    Reiterating the government’s dedication to improving health outcomes for vulnerable groups, Hon. Akandoh emphasized that the well-being of mothers, newborns, and children remains a top priority.

    “Indeed, improving the indices around the health of our mothers, children, and newborns remains a priority for us all, and we have seen the impact of the investments in Ghana from your government towards realizing this,” he said.

    He further assured attendees of Ghana’s strong bilateral ties with South Korea, highlighting the importance of ongoing cooperation with KOFIH and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to advance healthcare initiatives that benefit the Ghanaian population.

  • Korea, Switzerland renew commitment to strengthen Ghana’s energy and health sectors

    Korea, Switzerland renew commitment to strengthen Ghana’s energy and health sectors

    Ghana has secured renewed commitments from Switzerland and South Korea to boost its energy and healthcare sectors through strategic partnerships and investments.

    In separate high-level meetings with government officials in Accra, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana Simone Giger and Korean Ambassador Park Kyongsig reaffirmed their respective countries’ dedication to advancing Ghana’s energy sustainability and healthcare development.

    Switzerland to Deepen Collaboration in Renewable Energy

    During a meeting with Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor on Wednesday, February 19, Ambassador Giger underscored Switzerland’s interest in supporting Ghana’s efforts to transition to renewable energy. Discussions centered on expanding clean energy, improving efficiency, and strengthening sustainable power solutions.

    Minister Jinapor reiterated Ghana’s focus on diversifying its energy sources and emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships. “We are keen on leveraging strategic partnerships to develop a robust and sustainable energy sector. Switzerland’s expertise and investment in renewable energy solutions present great opportunities for collaboration,” he stated.

    Ambassador Giger commended Ghana’s progress in the sector and pledged Switzerland’s continued support. “Switzerland recognises Ghana as a key partner in West Africa, and we look forward to working together on projects that will promote clean energy and drive economic growth,” she remarked.

    Both parties agreed to explore joint initiatives aligned with Ghana’s energy transition goals, with Minister Jinapor expressing the government’s openness to strategic partnerships that ensure long-term energy security.

    Korea to Strengthen Ghana’s Healthcare System

    Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador Park Kyongsig reiterated Korea’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s healthcare system during a courtesy call on Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. Their discussions highlighted Korea’s continued investments in maternal and child health, disease prevention, and medical training.

    “Korea is dedicated to strengthening Ghana’s health systems to ensure accessible and efficient medical services for all citizens,” Ambassador Park stated.

    Accompanied by representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), the delegation explored potential areas of collaboration, including medical infrastructure development and healthcare management at the district and sub-district levels.

    Hon. Mintah Akandoh acknowledged Korea’s long-standing support and emphasized key health priorities under the John Mahama administration, including the expansion of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) facilities, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, free primary healthcare, and the construction of regional hospitals in newly created regions.

    KOICA and KOFIH officials outlined ongoing initiatives in Ghana, which include building modern healthcare facilities, equipping hospitals with advanced medical technology, and providing specialized training for health professionals. They assured the Health Minister of their continued partnership in improving Ghana’s healthcare landscape.

    The meetings concluded with both Switzerland and Korea reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Ghana’s energy and health sectors through long-term collaborations and targeted investments.

  • We’re dedicated to strengthening Ghana’s health systems to ensure accessibility – Korean Ambassador

    We’re dedicated to strengthening Ghana’s health systems to ensure accessibility – Korean Ambassador

    The Korean Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Park Kyongsig, has reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s healthcare sector, emphasizing efforts to make medical services more accessible and efficient for all citizens.

    During a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, at the Ministry in Accra, Ambassador Park Kyongsig highlighted Korea’s ongoing contributions to Ghana’s health development, particularly in maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and training healthcare professionals.

    “Korea is dedicated to strengthening Ghana’s health systems to ensure accessible and efficient medical services for all citizens,” he stated.

    The visit aimed to explore new opportunities for collaboration in healthcare infrastructure, medical training, and health management at the district and sub-district levels. The Ambassador was joined by representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), key partners in Ghana’s healthcare transformation.

    Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Mintah Akandoh acknowledged Korea’s longstanding support and the positive impact of past and ongoing initiatives. He emphasized priority areas for the John Mahama administration, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, free primary healthcare, and the construction of regional hospitals in the newly created regions.

    The Health Minister further underscored the government’s focus on expanding Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) facilities, strengthening emergency medical services, and upgrading hospital infrastructure.

    KOICA and KOFIH representatives presented an overview of their ongoing projects in Ghana, which include building modern healthcare facilities, equipping hospitals with advanced medical tools, and implementing specialized training programs for local healthcare workers. They assured the Minister of their continued support in advancing Ghana’s health agenda.

    The discussions concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring quality medical care for all Ghanaians.

  • Ghana is expecting US$2bn and more from Korea – Deputy Finance Minister

    Ghana is expecting US$2bn and more from Korea – Deputy Finance Minister

    Deputy Finance Minister Stephen Amoah has disclosed that Ghana is set to receive a US$2 billion concessionary loan from South Korea, aimed at aiding the country’s economic transformation.

    This loan is expected to complement other financial contributions, including US$360 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and an additional US$300 million from the World Bank.

    Together, these funds are intended to strengthen the economy and stabilize the depreciating cedi.

    In an interview with Asaase Radio on Thursday, June 13, Mr. Amoah expressed confidence in the transformative potential of these financial arrangements.

    He credited the substantive Finance Minister for securing these funds and highlighted the importance of international support in Ghana’s economic strategy.

    Mr. Amoah emphasized that the loans are intended not only to stimulate economic growth but also to address challenges related to currency depreciation.

    “… We are also expecting US$2 billion from Korea… My minister did a very great job when we went to meet them. We are even negotiating for more…”

    “Korea’s money is the best concessionary loan that I’m sure this country will ever have because the interest is almost zero and we will have a moratorium of about 30 years. It is almost free,” he said.

    “They are not just doing this because it’s Ghana, they are doing this because they have done a lot of work on Ghana; they were impressed with how we’ve been able to manage the post-COVID situation,” he added.

    This initiative arises as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address economic vulnerabilities and enhance fiscal stability through strategic financial partnerships with global institutions.

  • Ghana and Korea Expressway Corporation formalize MoU for infrastructure advancement

    Ghana and Korea Expressway Corporation formalize MoU for infrastructure advancement

    On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye (MP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Expressway Corporation, South Korea’s state-owned entity for expressway construction and operation.

    The signing ceremony, held at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul, aimed to enhance collaboration and development in the road and transportation sectors of both countries.

    The MoU focuses on bolstering cooperation between Ghana and South Korea in areas such as road and traffic policy, planning, operation, maintenance, and traffic management.

    Minister Asenso-Boakye’s visit to Korea was part of his participation in the Korea-Africa Infrastructure Forum, organized by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport during the ‘2024 Korea-Africa Summit’.

    The Ghanaian government anticipates that this agreement will significantly contribute to economic growth and improve regional connectivity.

    By effectively managing major road and transportation projects, Ghana aims to enhance access between urban and rural areas, fostering comprehensive national development.

    Asenso-Boakye expressed optimism about the MoU, highlighting the opportunity to leverage South Korea’s innovative technologies, expertise, and experiences.

    He noted that the agreement would also facilitate exchange programs for technical experts, enhancing their capacity in their respective duties.

    Ham Jin-Gyu, President of the Korea Expressway Corporation, remarked, “This agreement strengthens the friendly relations between our two countries and lays the groundwork for our business ventures in Africa. We will continue to pursue advancements in overseas road and transportation infrastructure projects.”

    This collaboration marks a significant step for Ghana in improving its road and transportation infrastructure by utilizing international expertise to drive national progress.

  • Ghana, Korea secure $2bn pact to propel development goals

    Ghana, Korea secure $2bn pact to propel development goals

    Ghana’s administration has secured substantial financial assistance to bolster its developmental goals. The nation has inked a $2 billion framework pact with South Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

    The accord, finalized at the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, will facilitate the execution of the government’s flagship policies across all sectors of the economy.

    Key sectors poised to benefit encompass infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, roads, and transportation over the next five years.

    Dr. Mohammed Amin, the finance minister, represented Ghana during the signing ceremony. This agreement signifies a notable achievement in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

    “The signing of the 2024-2028 Framework Arrangement represents a renewed commitment to our shared vision of sustainable development and prosperity,” Dr. Amin Adam stated, underscoring the strategic importance of the deal.

    This agreement is unprecedented, representing the inaugural instance of a nation pledging such a substantial sum on concessional terms. Dr. Amin Adam extended gratitude to the South Korean government on behalf of the state.

    “On behalf of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the good people of Ghana, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Korean government and the EDCF for their continued partnership and commitment to our development journey,” the minister said.

    The $2 billion funding mechanism is positioned to ignite transformative initiatives spanning various sectors, advancing Ghana’s aspirations for development to unprecedented levels.

    Dr. Amin Adam highlighted the deal’s potential impact, stating, “With the provision of $2 billion from EDCF, we will embark on transformative projects that are set to redefine our nation’s infrastructure landscape. High-speed railways, highways, and sustainable energy systems are on our agenda.”

  • Africa-Korea partnership will foster a relationship of synergy that benefits both regions- Akufo-Addo

    Africa-Korea partnership will foster a relationship of synergy that benefits both regions- Akufo-Addo

    Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the importance of closer cooperation and mutual development at the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul.

    Speaking to a distinguished gathering, Akufo-Addo highlighted the long-standing partnership between Ghana and Korea, which was formed in 1977.

    He emphasized the value of economic cooperation, citing Africa’s youthful population and wealth of natural resources as advantages.

    He highlighted advancements in economic cooperation, such as higher trade volumes and joint ventures in information technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.

    To realize the full potential of this cooperation, Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, abolishing trade barriers, and fostering knowledge exchange.

    He also urged Africa to take advantage of Korea’s leadership in sustainable development and green technology.

    Akufo-Addo concluded by expressing optimism for the future of relations between Korea and Africa, urging them to strengthen their partnership and create a more promising future.

  • Akufo-Addo sets off for Korea

    Akufo-Addo sets off for Korea

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo departed Ghana on Friday, May 31, 2024, in response to an invitation from Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

    He is leading the Ghanaian delegation to the Korea-Africa Summit, scheduled for June 4th to 5th, 2024, in Seoul, Korea.

    Accompanying President Akufo-Addo are the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon.

    Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, as well as officials from the Foreign Ministry, Trade Ministry, and the Presidency.

    The President is expected to return to Ghana on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

    During his absence, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will assume the responsibilities of the presidency as outlined in Article 60(8) of the constitution.

  • Akufo-Addo in Korea to meet president Yoon Suk Yeol

    Akufo-Addo in Korea to meet president Yoon Suk Yeol

    President Akufo-Addo accepted an invitation from Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and departed Ghana on Friday, May 31, 2024, for Seoul, Korea.

    He is leading the Ghanaian delegation to the Korea-Africa Summit, scheduled from June 4th to 5th, 2024, in Seoul.

    Accompanying President Akufo-Addo are Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and officials from the Foreign Ministry, Trade Ministry, and the Presidency.

    The President is expected to return to Ghana on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

    During his absence, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will serve as Acting President, as per Article 60(8) of the constitution.

  • US soldiers involve in South Korea’s cocaine investigation after an army post police raid

    US soldiers involve in South Korea’s cocaine investigation after an army post police raid

    South Korean police have caught two people and questioned around a dozen American soldiers for the suspicion of smuggling and selling fake cannabis. They raided two US army bases to investigate this matter.

    The police in Pyeongtaek reported in a news release on Wednesday that they conducted raids in May.

    The police conducted searches and took away things at Camp Humphreys and Camp Casey as they received information from the US Army Criminal Investigation Division. Camp Humphreys is a big US military base close to Seoul, and Camp Casey is located to the north of the capital.

    Police recorded videos of the raids reveal officers going into people’s homes and putting handcuffs on multiple individuals, including both males and females.

    Two individuals, one from South Korea and one from the Philippines, were taken into custody for allegedly selling drugs. Police told CNN that after they were arrested, they were moved to the prosecutors to be formally charged.

    Another 20 people, including 17 US soldiers, were taken in for questioning but not arrested. They were sent to the prosecution to be looked into further by the authorities.

    CNN has contacted the United States Forces Korea to get their opinion or response.

    Using cannabis for fun is against the law in South Korea, where drugs are seen as a very bad thing in society and users are punished severely. You can be punished with five years in prison or pay up to 50 million Korean won (about $37,600) for using or having cannabis in the country.

    The police said that from May to August this year, a 24-year-old American soldier illegally brought 350 milliliters [11. 8 oz] of liquid synthetic cannabis from the US mainland using military mail. He then gave it to other American soldiers at Camp Humphries and Camp Casey to use and sell.

    According to the report,one of the soldiers being questioned sold drugs to a Filipino dealer, who in turn sold it to a South Korean dealer and some other American soldiers.

    The police took away 80 milliliters of fake cannabis, 27 electronic cigarettes, and about $13,000 in cash that was supposedly made from selling drugs.

    The police shared videos showing the things they took,like lots of $50 and $100 bills, many cell phones, and colorful tube-like objects that look like vape pens.

    The police are working together with the US Army Criminal Investigation Division to look into the American soldiers and the person who allegedly sent drugs from the US,along with the route used for smuggling.

  • Help our young people see a much brighter future – Mahama appeals to Korea

    Help our young people see a much brighter future – Mahama appeals to Korea

    Former President John Dramani Mahama wants enormous investment for Ghanaian youth who are keen on making strides in the business industry.

    As a keynote speaker at the just-ended Korea-African Business Summit in Seoul, Mr Mahama noted the relevance of Korea in the development of Ghanaian youths.

    He said to elevate the youth out of the dire unemployment situation in the country, “Korea can help us nudge our young innovators and entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.”

    “Our young people must see a much brighter future ahead, and they are willing to put in the shift to make it a reality,” he stressed.

    Help us to extricate our young people from underemployment trap - Mahama to Korea

    The former president boasted of the talent and skills possessed by the Ghanaian youths, adding that “despite the lamentable situation, come through with impressive feats and achievements.”

    He therefore charged Ghanaian and international leaders to “unlock and unleash” the untapped potential.

    Organised by the Korea- African Foundation, the two day summit coincided with the 2023 commemoration of Africa Day.

    Ghana’s unemployment situation is a significant concern for the country. Like many other nations, Ghana faces challenges in providing adequate employment opportunities for its growing population, particularly among the youth.

    The unemployment rate in Ghana has been fluctuating over the years.

    1.76 million persons were unemployed in the third quarter of 2022 per The Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) 2022 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) Third Quarter Labour Statistics.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • World Cup 2022: Sales of Ghana chocolate surge after Black Stars help South Korea qualify ahead of Uruguay

    Ghana chocolate sales increased in Korea after South Korea advanced to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup with the help of the Black Stars on Friday.

    South Korea defeated Portugal, while Ghana fell to Uruguay by two goals, confirming the Asians’ place in the last 16.

    If Ghana had conceded one more goal in the match, Uruguay would’ve made it to the next round instead of Korea.

    As a result, the sales of Ghana chocolate skyrocketed 46.5 percent on Dec. 3 compared to that on Nov. 18, when the World Cup kicked off in Qatar, according to GS Retail, an operator of the local convenience store GS25.

    Ghana chocolate sales also surged 32.7 percent at another convenience store CU over the weekend. CU is operated by BGF Retail.

    South Korea will play Brazil on Monday, with the Asians aiming to reach the last eight of the competition.

  • ‘Squid Game’ star Oh Yeong-su arrested, indicted for sexual misconduct

    Korean actor Oh Yeong-su has been indicted on sexual misconduct charges, per Variety.

    Best known for his Golden Globe-winning performance in the hit Netflix series Squid Game, the 78-year-old actor was charged by Suwon, South Korean prosecutors on Thursday. He has been accused of inappropriately touching a woman in 2017, which the alleged victim first told authorities about in December 2021. The case was closed in April 2022, but it was later reopened following a request from the victim. When questioned about the alleged incident, Oh denied the accusations.

    “I just held her hand to guide the way around the lake,” said Oh in a statement provided to Korean broadcaster JTBC. “I apologized because [the person] said she wouldn’t make a fuss about it but it doesn’t mean that I admit the charges.”

    A Suwon court official said “everything reported by local media is not factually correct.”

    A TV commercial starring Oh from the Korean ministry of culture has been pulled after the news of the indictment was publicly released on Friday.

    Source: Complex.com

     

  • In Korea, ‘Squid Game’ actor O Yeong-su has been charged with sexual misconduct

    In Korea, award-winning “Squid Game” star O Yeong-su has been charged with sexual misconduct.

    According to AFP, the 78-year-old was released without charge after being accused of inappropriately touching a woman’s body in 2017.

    In December 2021, the woman filed a complaint against Yeong-su. The case was closed by police in April, but it was reopened after the alleged victim requested that it be investigated further.

    According to the local Yonhap news agency, Yeong-su denied the allegations when questioned by authorities.

    The actor — who won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his breakout role as Oh Il-nam in the Netflix hit — has released a statement about the allegations.

    “I just held her hand to guide the way around the lake,” O told Korean news broadcaster JTBC. “I apologized because [the person] said she wouldn’t make a fuss about it but it doesn’t mean that I admit the charges.”

    O Yeong-su
    O Yeong-su won a Golden Globe for his role on the Netflix smash megahit. Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

    Lee Jung-jae, center, Park Hae-soo, right, and Oh Yeong-soo in a scene from the Korean series "Squid Game." Both Park Hae-Soo and Oh Yeong-Su were nominated for an Emmy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. Lee Jung-jae was nominated for lead actor in a drama series. (Netflix via AP)
    “Squid Game” stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo and Oh Yeong-soo in a scene from the Korean Netflix series. AP

    An official from the Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office told AFP that everything reported by local media about the veteran actor of more than 50 years “is not factually incorrect.”

    The Korean ministry of culture also recently pulled a government TV commercial featuring Yeong-su off air after the indictment.

    Meanwhile, the streamer’s highly popular survival drama is coming back for season two in the future.

    Writer and director Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed the news in an interview with the Associated Press last year.

    Hwang said, “There’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season. So I almost feel like you leave us no choice!”

     

     

  • Ghana, Korea $8 million rice project kicks off in Assin North

    The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Assin North District Assembly, has introduced some agricultural equipment to boost rice production in the area.

    The move formed part of an $8 million agreement signed between South Korea and Ghana towards improving capacity and rice seed development, provision of agricultural machinery and equipment, and the construction of a rice milling plant and agricultural equipment storage facility.

    The machines include tractors and accessories, combine harvesters, laser land levellers, seed drill/ no-till seed planters, power tillers and accessories, transplanters and rice threshers.

    The rest are rice reaper binders, combine harvesters, rice winnowers, water pumps, grain moisture meters and knapsack sprayers/motorized mist blowers.

    In addition, a total of 8 metric tonnes of certified seeds are expected to be distributed, with each beneficiary farmer getting 15.5 kilogrammes of seeds at no cost for cultivation.

    Similarly, four other rice-growing districts in the Central Region namely; Gomoa East, Assin Fosu, Assin South and Twifo Att-Mokwa would benefit from the project.

    Okyereko in the Gomoa East District has been designed for rice seed production whereas the remaining four districts produce paddy rice.

    The project is funded by KOICA and implemented in partnership with the MoFA through the District Assemblies.

    Presenting the equipment, Mr Charles Ohene Andoh, the District Chief Executive explained that the project seeks to improve the rice value chain in the area following bilateral cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Ghana.

    He said the provision of the agricultural equipment, which was the key component of the rice value chain project, was important to promote the government’s agric mechanisation drive.

    The machines would serve as valuable assets to beneficiary farmers in boosting rice production with the potential to positively impact the lives and livelihood of the farmers at the microeconomic level.

    That, the DCE said, would have a multiplying effect and a positive impact on the economy, considering the value of enhanced rice production and productivity.

    With that, he encouraged farmers to scale up production to maintain national food security.

    Mr Joseph Kwabena Haizel, the District Director of Agriculture, said MoFA and KOICA were fully committed to the successful implementation of all components under the project.

    He said the district could produce rice to feed the country and called on the people, especially the youth, to venture into rice farming as a viable venture to ease unemployment and better themselves.

    Source: GNA