By Celestine Avi
President John Dramani Mahama has been conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration by Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
The university says the honour recognises the Ghanaian leader’s distinguished contributions to national transformation, economic development, and his engagement with the global academic community.
The honorary degree was formally awarded on March 13, 2026, during a ceremony led by the President of the university, Yoon Dong-sup, and the Dean of the Graduate School, Kim Hyun-chul.
In his acceptance remarks, President Mahama expressed appreciation to the government and people of South Korea for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
“I thank the government and people of Korea for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation during this visit. I also thank the Board of Trustees, President Yoon, the faculty, staff and students of Yonsei University for this memorable occasion. And I say in Korean, Gamsahamnida,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the honour symbolises the deep respect and mutual admiration that exist between Ghana and South Korea.
“This honour you have bestowed on me today is one I accept on behalf of all the people of Ghana, as a symbol of the deep respect, mutual relations and admiration that exist between our two countries,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the longstanding friendship between Ghana and South Korea would continue to deepen through cooperation, peace and shared development.
“May the friendship between Ghana and Korea continue to grow deeper and stronger. May we all commit ourselves to choosing peace over conflict, cooperation over confrontation, and hope over despair,” he added.
President Mahama also encouraged young people in South Korea, particularly students of Yonsei University, to strive for excellence, ending his remarks with the Korean expression of encouragement, Hwaiting.
