The University of Ghana, in partnership with the Korean government, has officially launched a groundbreaking project to construct the Ghana-Korea Centre of Excellence for ICT Startups and Asia Research.
The launch event took place on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research Auditorium. It brought together key stakeholders in the Ghana-Korea bilateral partnership, with the Korean Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Park Kyongsig, serving as the guest of honour.
In his address, the Founding Director of the Centre for Asian Studies, Dr. Lloyd George Adu Amoah, provided a brief background on the project and announced the expected completion date.
“The expected completion is December 31, 2026, all things being equal. Plus or minus, we might, you know, stretch into 2027,” he stated.
Ambassador Park Kyongsig emphasised the project’s significance within the broader bilateral agreement between Ghana and Korea.
He also used the platform to appeal to University management to consider making Korean a credit-bearing course, citing existing government support for such initiatives.
“When this centre is built and finished, I sincerely wish that the University of Ghana considers making the Korean language a credit course. My government has a programme to support this by sending lecturers and providing textbooks,” he said.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, congratulated both teams for the progress made so far.
He revealed that the project is expected to be the most advanced ICT hub in West Africa, backed by a \$10 million grant from the Korean government, described as the largest Korea has ever given to Ghana.
“Our Korean counterparts have committed approximately 10 million U.S. dollars. I am told this is the largest grant ever from the Republic of Korea to Ghana,” he noted.
“The building will also contain an ICT hub anticipated to be one of the most advanced in Ghana and indeed West Africa,” he added.
He concluded by affirming the alignment of the project with the University’s strategic vision.
“The vision of this project aligns perfectly with the University’s aspiration to transform lives and societies,” he concluded.
The project is expected to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic collaboration between Ghana and Korea, particularly in technology and Asian studies.
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Story by Kwadwo Owusu Anane | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Cindy Selasi Humade
