Yonsei University in South Korea has conferred an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration on President John Dramani Mahama in recognition of his contributions to Ghana’s national transformation and development.
The honour was conferred during a special ceremony held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the university in Seoul.
The citation noted that the honorary doctorate was awarded to President Mahama for his distinguished contributions to public leadership, national development and economic transformation in Ghana.
Presenting the honour, officials of the university said the award also symbolised the growing relationship between Ghana and the Republic of Korea.
Following the conferment, President Mahama delivered an address in which he described the honour as a bridge linking two nations, two continents and two peoples committed to building a better future.
“The conferment of this honorary doctorate by Yonsei University acts as a bridge linking two countries, two continents and two peoples committed to creating a better future for our world,” he said.
President Mahama praised Yonsei University for its long history of academic excellence and innovation.
He noted that for more than 140 years, the university has produced leaders and scholars who have contributed to global progress in fields such as medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy.
The President also highlighted the importance of truth and excellence as values that connect both Ghana and Korea.
“Your university motto, ‘The Truth will set you free,’ deeply resonates with me. It reflects the belief that knowledge, integrity and enlightened thinking are the foundations upon which we must build our societies,” he said.
Drawing parallels between Ghana and Korea, President Mahama noted that both countries gained international recognition during the same period in the late 1950s as they sought to establish their national identities.
While acknowledging that the two countries have taken different development paths, he said both have been guided by a commitment to education, innovation and national discipline.
He praised Korea’s transformation from a war-torn country into one of the world’s leading economies through investment in technology, education and innovation.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, including Adinkra symbols, kente cloth, traditional foods and music, which continue to shape the country’s global identity.
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between Africa and Asia, especially in areas such as education, agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and technology.
He also pointed to Africa’s growing youth population as one of the continent’s greatest assets.
“By 2050, one quarter of the world’s population will be African. One third of the world’s youth will come from our continent. This dynamic population represents one of Africa’s greatest strengths,” he said.
President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to building a prosperous and democratic society where young people become innovators and job creators.
He expressed gratitude to the government and people of South Korea for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
“This honour is one that I accept on behalf of all the people of Ghana as a symbol of the deep respect and admiration that exists between our two countries,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a bouquet presentation and a group photo session involving university officials, the Ghanaian delegation and students of Yonsei University.
