GHANASKO Celebrates 30 Years of Community, Unity and Ghana–Korea Friendship

[비욘드포스트 황상욱 기자] More than 1,000 participants gather from across South Korea to commemorate three decades of Ghanaian community development, solidarity and growing bilateral friendship.

The Ghanaian Association in South Korea (GHANASKO) successfully celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 4, 2026, bringing together more than 1,000 participants, including Ghanaians from across the country, Korean guests, and representatives of various African communities. The landmark celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on three decades of community growth, solidarity, and the enduring friendship between Ghana and the Republic of Korea.
According to GHANASKO, the anniversary celebration marked the largest single gathering of Ghanaians ever held in South Korea, reflecting the remarkable development and growing unity of the Ghanaian community over the past 30 years.

Held under the theme “Building a Stronger Ghanaian Community in Korea – Celebrating 30 Years of GHANASKO,” the event brought together Ghanaians from different generations and professional backgrounds, Korean friends, African community leaders, students, businesspeople, religious leaders, and families.

Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Kojo Choi, Ambassador of Ghana to the Republic of Korea; Mr. George Harrison, Deputy Head of Mission; Mr. Ebo Pratt, Consular Officer of the Embassy of Ghana; Mr. Michael Broni-Sefah, President of GHANASKO; Ms. Joy Nana Okogun-Odompley, President of the Ghanaian Students Association in Korea (GHASKA); Mr. Zinleri Richard, Chairman of the GHANASKO 30th Anniversary Planning Committee; and Mr. Sam Okyere, a Ghanaian television personality well known in Korea.
The celebration was also attended by founding figures of GHANASKO, including Rev. Peter Y.D. Kim and Mr. Richard Owusu-Kuffuor, alongside Korean community leaders such as Mr. Kim Bong Su, Rev. Bodja Lee, and Mr. Bia Lee.

Representatives from Ghanaian community organizations, including GHASKA, GHANMIK, NPP, NDC, Club 247, and Incheon Fun Club, participated in the celebration. African community leaders and representatives from Cameroon, Uganda, Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire were also present, highlighting the spirit of friendship and solidarity among African communities in Korea.

In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Gina Okailey Dadzie, General Secretary of GHANASKO, expressed appreciation to guests and members who had travelled from different parts of Korea to attend the anniversary. She emphasized that the gathering of more than 1,000 participants demonstrated the remarkable growth of the Ghanaian community and the collective strength that emerges when people from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared sense of purpose.


Ambassador Kojo Choi, in his address, highlighted the steady development of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Republic of Korea and the progress achieved through bilateral cooperation.

The Ambassador referred to several recent developments, including a Framework Agreement on Climate Change, cooperation on maritime safety and security between the Korea Coast Guard and the Ghana Navy, collaboration on technology, digitalisation and innovation involving the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana's Ministry of Finance, and a visa-waiver agreement covering holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

He expressed optimism about the future of Ghana–Korea relations as the two countries move closer to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, noting the potential for expanding cooperation across economic, technological, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

Established in 1996, GHANASKO has played an important role in promoting unity, protecting the interests of Ghanaians, and supporting their integration into life in South Korea.

Over the past three decades, the association has developed beyond a platform for social gatherings and networking to become a vital source of community assistance. Its activities include supporting Ghanaians facing workplace disputes, industrial accidents, medical emergencies, bereavement, immigration difficulties, and other challenges associated with living abroad.

Under the leadership of President Michael Broni-Sefah, GHANASKO has also strengthened its working relationship with the Embassy of Ghana in Seoul.

As part of efforts to improve coordination and assistance for Ghanaians requiring urgent support, the association appointed Mr. Dadzie Akrasi as its Director of Consular Affairs. This initiative has helped strengthen communication and cooperation between GHANASKO, the Embassy, and members of the Ghanaian community.

President Broni-Sefah reaffirmed GHANASKO's commitment to remaining a non-partisan and inclusive organization, emphasizing that political affiliation, religion, educational background, or social status should never determine whether a Ghanaian receives assistance from the association.

He stressed that every Ghanaian should be able to seek support and participate in the association's activities without discrimination, reinforcing the principle of unity that has guided GHANASKO throughout its history.

One of the memorable moments of the anniversary celebration was a special recognition of Mr. Sam Okyere for his contributions to raising awareness of Ghana and Africa in South Korea.

At the request of President Broni-Sefah, the entire audience stood in appreciation of Okyere's efforts to promote Ghanaian culture and strengthen understanding between Ghanaians and Koreans.

GHANASKO acknowledged his contributions through television appearances, his command of the Korean language, and his longstanding involvement in cultural exchange. Through these activities, Okyere has helped introduce Ghana to Korean audiences and promote a more familiar and positive understanding of the country.

The association also expressed hope that this recognition would encourage younger generations of Ghanaians to appreciate individuals who represent their country positively and contribute to the advancement of their communities abroad.

Traditional Ghanaian cultural performances added colour and excitement to the celebration.

Madam Vida Kwarteng delivered a moving performance of Adowa, a traditional Ghanaian dance, in honour of Ambassador Kojo Choi. The performance was followed by a lively Jama presentation by the Akwaaba Ensemble, whose energetic music and dance brought an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride to the gathering.

Through these performances, participants experienced the richness of Ghanaian cultural heritage while celebrating the shared identity and unity of their community.

The anniversary also provided an opportunity to recognize the founders, former leaders, and members whose commitment and contributions have sustained GHANASKO over the past 30 years.

Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Zinleri Richard, Chairman of the 30th Anniversary Planning Committee, for his leadership in coordinating the celebration. The association also acknowledged the dedication of executives, volunteers, and members who had devoted several months to planning and organizing the event.

GHANASKO further expressed special appreciation to Ms. Yuri Esi Han, External Cooperation Officer at the Embassy of Ghana in Seoul, for her longstanding commitment to the association and her contributions to the preparation of the 30th anniversary celebration.

The association noted that Ms. Han had worked closely with its leadership throughout the preparations, helping to coordinate various aspects of external cooperation and support behind the scenes.

Her relationship with GHANASKO, spanning several generations of the association's leadership, was recognized as a meaningful example of sustained cooperation between the Embassy and the Ghanaian community in Korea.

Looking ahead, GHANASKO intends to build on its 30-year legacy by encouraging greater membership participation and strengthening cooperation among Ghanaian organizations throughout South Korea.

The association also plans to deepen its relationship with the Embassy of Ghana and relevant Korean institutions, create additional opportunities for Ghanaian students and businesspeople, and expand its cultural, sporting, charitable, and community support programmes.

By promoting stronger connections among Ghanaians from different generations and backgrounds, GHANASKO aims to develop further as an organization that contributes not only to social unity but also to the long-term welfare and sustainable development of the Ghanaian community abroad.

President Broni-Sefah emphasized the importance of leaving a stronger and more united association for future generations.

He expressed his hope that, when the next generation gathers to celebrate GHANASKO's 60th anniversary in another 30 years, they will inherit an organization that is even more resilient, inclusive, and united than it is today.

The 30th anniversary celebration was therefore more than a commemoration of the association's founding. It served as a tribute to the determination, solidarity, and contributions of generations of Ghanaians who have built their lives in South Korea, while offering an opportunity to reflect on the future of their community.

The milestone also underscored the important role of diaspora communities in strengthening people-to-people ties, fostering mutual understanding, and contributing to the continued development of friendship and cooperation between Ghana and the Republic of Korea.

As GHANASKO enters its fourth decade, the association remains committed to preserving its legacy of unity, service, and community development while preparing the next generation to carry that legacy forward.



황상욱 기자 eyes@beyondpost.co.kr