Accra: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has organized 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. This session was designed to provide necessary guidance to aid the scholars in their academic journey and cultural integration, while also offering the opportunity to connect with KOICA alumni and programme stakeholders.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 2025 cohort will have the opportunity to study at prestigious 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. The fields of study for these scholarships span 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 to Ghana. He emphasized the importance of not only obtaining academic degrees but also bringing back practical solutions, fresh perspectives, and a renewed commitment to national service. He highlighted the need for their expertise, energy, and leadership in Ghana now more than ever, stating that their time in Korea would offer much more than academic learning.
The KOICA Scholarship Programme forms a part of the Korean government's Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) initiative, which is aimed at supporting Ghana's human resource development. Ms. Lovia Afoakwa, President of the KOICA Alumni Association of Ghana (KAAG), congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to embrace this opportunity, emphasizing commitment to excellence. She assured them of the alumni body's continued support.
Reflections from former CIAT participants such as Dr. Jeffrey Ofori, Senior Medical Officer at Tema General Hospital, and Ms. Gertrude Akuamoah of the National Development Planning Commission, were shared. They advised the awardees to seek professional help when necessary and to push beyond their limits, urging them to remain open, bold, and kind as they progress in their journey.
The CIAT programme, Korea's flagship human resource development initiative, provides training to public officials, engineers, researchers, and policymakers from developing countries by sharing Korea's development experience and technological expertise. Since its inception, the programme has supported Ghanaian professionals across different sectors, with the KOICA Alumni Association in Ghana currently boasting around 1,500 members.
