He was speaking at the orien­tation and training organised by the Korea International Coop­eration Agency (KOICA) for 25 masters and PhD students in Accra, Wednesday.

While encouraging all the awardees who would be study­ing in Korean universities between two and five years, Mr Park said the scholarships was aimed at building the capacity of Ghana’s public sector human resources.

He said Ghana and Korea shared journey in education and development was a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
    

The Korean envoy likened the KOICA Scholarship pro­gramme to a small Olympics which brings together outstand­ing talents from 100 countries, all competing to gain more knowledge and experience in Korea.

Mr Park said about 1,500 Ghanaians benefitted from the programme since its inception in 1991, culminating in build­ing beneficiary institutions in Ghana.

He reminded the awardees that Korea is where it is today, because of sacrifices and in­vestment nurturing talents and educating Korean Children.

“Whenever I meet people from Ghana, there is always one question they ask: “How did Korea manage to develop so rapidly?” Just 60 years ago, Ghana and Korea had similar economic levels. It feels like a miracle even to me.

“As the Ambassador of Ko­rea, there is only one answer I can give: “Education.” Though we were hungry, we sold our homes to educate our children. Those children studied tire­lessly with the tuition paid by the sweat and blood of their parents. This is how the value chain of talent development in Korea was built.”

Mr Park said he sees similar for education in Ghana and that he believes Ghana can also achieve great development.

Dr Llyod George Adu Amoah, Head, Centre for Asian Studies, University of Ghana, in a presentation on “Unlocking Opportunities: The Scholarship Programmes in Korea- an Op­portunity and a Responsibility,” urged the students to study hard and raise the flag of Ghana high.

He asked them to return to Ghana upon completion of their programmes and make positive impact on their institu­tions.

Mrs Lovia Afoakwa, an alum­ni of the KOICA scholarship and President of the Korea Alumni Association of Ghana (KAAG) told the students that the scholarship was a gateway to endless opportunities, cutting edge technology, economic prowess and warm hospitality of the Korean people.

She said the members of KAAG were making positive impacts in their areas of work and urged the beneficiaries to strive to make lasting impact on Ghana and Korea.