By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, July 18, GNA – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has held a pre-departure orientation for fifteen Ghanaian fellows awarded full scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in South Korea under the 2025 KOICA Scholarship Programme.
The session offered essential guidance to support the scholars’ academic journey and cultural integration, while connecting them with KOICA alumni and programme stakeholders.
The 2025 cohort will study at leading Korean institutions, including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Ewha Woman’s University, University of Seoul, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Kyungpook National University, Handong University, and Yeungnam University.
Fields of study include Urban Development, Trade and Industrial Policy, Sustainable Regional Development, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Production, Energy Policy, Global Health Security, Gender Equality, ICT Convergence, and Water Resources Management.
Mr. Donghyun Lee, KOICA Country Director, encouraged the fellows to become “agents of change” upon their return:
“I urge you to return not only with academic degrees, but with practical solutions, fresh perspectives, and a renewed dedication to national service. Ghana needs your expertise, your energy, and your leadership now more than ever.
“Your time in Korea will offer far more than academic learning; it will challenge you, inspire growth, and expand your perspective.
The KOICA Scholarship Programme is part of the Korean government’s Capacity Improvement & Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) initiative, aimed at supporting Ghana’s human resource development.
Ms. Lovia Afoakwa, President of the KOICA Alumni Association of Ghana (KAAG), congratulated the awardees and urged them to embrace the opportunity.
“Your achievement and dedication have set you apart and today marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey…Be bold, be serious, and above all remain committed to excellence,” she stated and pledged the alumni body’s continued support.
Dr Jeffrey Ofori, Senior Medical Officer at Tema General Hospital, and Ms Gertrude Akuamoah of the National Development Planning Commission, both CIAT alumni, shared reflections from their time in Korea.
“Seek professional help where necessary…go beyond your frontiers and always do something a step ahead. Be open, be bold, be kind; reflect on who you are and who you are becoming every day,” Dr Ofori advised.
KOICA’s CIAT programme is Korea’s flagship human resource development initiative, offering training to public officials, engineers, researchers, and policymakers from developing countries.
It focuses on sharing Korea’s development experience and technological expertise.
Since its inception, the programme has supported Ghanaian professionals across various sectors. The KOICA Alumni Association in Ghana currently has around 1,500 members.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey