President Mahama receives Honorary Doctorate from Yonsei University - Calls for truth-driven leadership
President John Dramani Mahama has called on leaders and citizens worldwide to anchor their actions in truth and pursue excellence as fundamental principles for advancing human civilisation.
The President made the call yesterday after Yonsei University in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, conferred an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Administration on him in recognition of his distinguished public service and contributions to national transformation and economic development.
Delivering his acceptance speech before the university's Board of Trustees, faculty and students, President Mahama described the honour as "a bridge linking two countries, two continents and two peoples committed to creating a better future for our world."
Personal reflection
Drawing parallels between the philosophical foundations of Yonsei University and his own educational journey in Ghana, the President recounted a formative moment as a first-year student at the University of Ghana.
"On my first day, standing at the entrance of Commonwealth Hall, I observed a coat of arms mounted above the arched doorway. Embossed on the coat of arms were the words 'Truth Stands,' which represent the hall's motto," President Mahama narrated.
He described experiencing "a profound sense of pride and purpose" at that moment, determined to discover the truth about his own life just as generations of students before him had done.
The President noted that Yonsei's motto, "Truth will set you free," deeply resonated with him, reflecting "the core belief that knowledge, integrity and enlightened thinking are the foundations upon which we must build our societies."
Principles
President Mahama observed that while Ghana and South Korea had comparable GDPs at the time of Ghana's independence in 1957, the two nations have charted different developmental paths since then.
"What has defined both our journeys is a commitment to excellence and humility in the face of truth," he stated.
He acknowledged Korea's transformation from a war-torn nation into one of the world's leading economies through strategic vision, investment in education, technological innovation and unwavering discipline.
At the same time, the President highlighted Ghana's successful expression of its cultural identity through democratic symbols, kente cloth, textiles, shea butter, cocoa and music genres, including Highlife, Hiplife and Afrobeats, which were gaining global influence.
Africa-Korea partnership
President Mahama emphasised that the relationship between Ghana and Korea should not be one of benefactor and beneficiary, but "a genuine partnership between equals, each bringing unique strengths to the table."
He noted that by 2050, nearly a quarter of the world's population would be African, with one-third of the world's youth between 15 and 24 coming from the continent.
"While much of the developed world faces ageing populations and shrinking workforces, Africa's young population represents immense energy, creativity and innovation," the President stated, describing them as "entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, engineers and leaders ready to seize opportunities."
He welcomed Yonsei University's involvement in upgrading the Bonso Agri College into a campus of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Ghana, and expressed gratitude for the K-Rice Belt project providing improved rice seedlings to Ghanaian farmers.
Ghana's future
President Mahama outlined his vision of building "a prosperous and self-reliant nation where every citizen can realise their full potential" and "where our young people are not merely job seekers but job creators."
He expressed optimism about the collective future, stating: "I see in the eyes of young people here at Yonsei what I see in the eyes of young people back home in Ghana — purpose, pride and determination to build a future of shared prosperity and peace."
The President made it clear that he accepted the honour on behalf of all Ghanaians.
"This honour you have bestowed upon me today is one that I accept on behalf of all the people of Ghana as a symbol of the deep respect and mutual admiration that exists between our two countries," he said.
He thanked the Korean government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation throughout the visit, while expressing gratitude to Yonsei University's Board of Trustees, President Yoon Dong-Sup, faculty, staff and students.
In a lighthearted moment, the President greeted the audience in Korean with "Gamsahamnida" and attempted the popular "Oppa Gangnam Style" phrase, drawing applause from the gathering.
Leadership
Earlier, the President of Yonsei University, Professor Dong-Sup Yoon, stated that President Mahama had "embodied and advanced the values of democracy, social justice, economic development and regional cooperation throughout his career".
Professor Yoon noted that President Mahama's leadership had contributed not only to Ghana's transformation but also to peace and coexistence in West Africa, while shaping global conversations on sustainable development.
He revealed that Yonsei University had appointed former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as Honorary Director of its Institute for African Studies in February 2026, opening a new chapter in strengthening Korea-Africa partnerships.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Republic of Korea.
The conferment formed part of President Mahama's five-day working visit to the Republic of Korea, which included bilateral discussions and engagements aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations.
