President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has commended Ghana for its longstanding role in ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals operating in the Gulf of Guinea.

Speaking during talks with President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, March 11, President Lee expressed appreciation for Ghana’s contributions to maritime security, highlighting the country’s efforts to protect South Korean vessels and citizens working along the West African coast.

“Ghana is a country we are grateful to, as it has actively cooperated in ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy threats persist,” Lee said in his opening remarks, as reported by the Yonhap News Agency.

He emphasised that South Korea values Ghana’s commitment to maintaining stability and safety in the Gulf of Guinea, a region vital for international shipping and trade.

“As a maritime nation bordering three West African countries, Ghana also serves as a reliable gateway for the Republic of Korea's entry into the African market,” he added.

President Lee further noted that continued cooperation between the two countries would strengthen maritime security and deepen broader bilateral relations.

During the occasion, the two nations signed several agreements:

A pact on climate change cooperation to establish a legal framework for collaboration under their national climate action plans in line with the Paris Agreement.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime security between the Korea Coast Guard and the Ghanaian Navy, aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing on international maritime crimes, including piracy, weapons and drug smuggling, and maritime search and rescue operations.

An MOU on technology and digital cooperation, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, digital access, and youth training initiatives.