[Sports Seoul | Sangbae Lee, Senior Reporter] On the afternoon of the 13th, Speaker Woo Won-sik met with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who is visiting South Korea, in the National Assembly reception room. They held in-depth talks on shared democratic values, responses to the climate crisis, and practical avenues for bilateral economic cooperation.
Speaker Woo welcomed President Mahama, noting, “President Mahama is the first African head of state to visit the Assembly since I took office,” and added, “It is especially meaningful to receive a leader who champions African democracy at the National Assembly, the seat of democracy in the Republic of Korea.”
Woo also emphasized a personal connection: “You received an honorary doctorate from my alma mater, Yonsei University, this morning. I’m very pleased that our shared commitments to democracy and climate action are reinforced by this academic bond.”
He praised the signing of the “Korea–Ghana Climate Change Cooperation Agreement,” a key outcome of the visit, and said, “The National Assembly has positioned itself as a ‘climate assembly’ and is pushing for a transition to renewable energy. I hope our climate partnership leads to concrete results.” He also requested President Mahama’s special attention to expanding opportunities for Korean companies in the automotive, shipbuilding, and critical minerals sectors.
Woo expressed gratitude for the Ghanaian government’s active cooperation in ensuring the safety of Korean vessels and seafarers near the Gulf of Guinea, and asked for continued attention to maritime security and the protection of Korean nationals abroad. He also voiced optimism about the expanding exchange of Korean culture in Ghana.
President Mahama said, “Ghana is prioritizing economic stabilization and is making every effort to restore business confidence and attract investment,” adding, “With abundant resources and a stable political environment, I want Ghana to become the gateway for Korean firms entering Africa.”
Mahama, who served three terms as a lawmaker, underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and friendship associations. “As a three-term legislator, I understand the value of interparliamentary exchange better than most. I will actively support efforts to strengthen parliamentary ties so our legislatures can robustly back economic cooperation between our countries.” sangbae0302@sportsseoul.com
