A West Africa Hyundai Automotive Manufacturing Plant is to be established in Ghana this year [2026], the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said.

This will be in addition to Ghana and South Korea agreeing to open a new university in Ghana and launch new solar irrigation systems. 

Announcing it as part of some of the plans for Ghana and South Korea to deepen economic and development cooperation, Mr Ablakwa said.

Mr Ablakwa, who was in Seoul to co-chair the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in South Korea with his Korean counterpart, Mr Cho Hyun, said the projects would be undertaken this year and would form part of a broader partnership covering energy, agriculture, maritime affairs, education, roads and health.

"This year, our two countries will open a new university in Ghana; establish a West Africa Hyundai Automotive Manufacturing Plant in Ghana and launch new solar irrigation systems," he stated.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana and South Korea had also agreed to pursue cooperation in artificial intelligence, energy and critical minerals.

The announcement followed the signing of a visa waiver agreement on Monday for holders of diplomatic and service passports by the two countries.

According to Mr Ablakwa, discussions aimed at extending the arrangement to cover all categories of passports were ongoing.

Addressing the meeting, he said African countries were pursuing value addition, industrialisation, job creation and improved returns from economic activities.

He described South Korea as an important partner for Africa because of its strengths in technology and manufacturing.

Mr Ablakwa also commended South Korea for supporting the Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement the gravest crime against humanity.

Ghana and South Korea are expected to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.