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KOICA Ghana hosts Orientation Programme for 2024 Scholarship Awardees
The Korea International Cooperation Agency(KOICA) Ghana held an orientation programme for the latest recipients of the KOICA Scholarship Programme, a major category of its Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) Fellowship Programme.
The event marked the beginning of an exciting journey for 25 scholarship awardees, who were set to pursue advanced studies (Masters and PhD) in South Korea.
The orientation programme held recently in Accra was a comprehensive session aimed at preparing the awardees for their academic and cultural experiences in Korea.
The event featured a series of informative presentations and interactive sessions designed to equip the scholars with essential knowledge and skills.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Korea to Ghana, Mr Kyongsig Park congratulated the awardees on their achievement and reminded them of the significance of their roles in strengthening the partnership between Ghana and Korea.
He likened KOICA Scholarship programme to the ongoing Olympic Games in France, saying that it also brings together outstanding talents from 100 countries, all competing to gain more knowledge and experience in Korea.
He added that, “all awardees are the representatives of Ghana and must endevour to succeed in this competition, as it will lay the foundation for a brighter future for Ghana.”
The orientation programme further featured a special moment for the 2022 KOICA SP cohorts, who were officially inducted as alumni.
This recognition celebrated their successful completion of their studies and their ongoing contributions to the development of Ghana.
The KOICA CIAT Fellowship programme continues to be a beacon of educational excellence and international collaboration, offering Ghanaian public officials the chance to gain world-class education and bring back valuable expertise to support the development of their nation.
There were knowledge-sharing segments as as key presentations focusing on the prospects of scholarships in Korea, providing the awardees with detailed information on the academic opportunities, cultural experiences, and career advancements available through the CIAT Fellowship.
This was led by Doctor Llyod G. Adu Amoah, Director of Center for Asian Studies at University of Ghana.
Ms. Eunsoo Oh, the Deputy Country Director of the KOICA Ghana office, delivered a presentation on KOICA’s values and integrity pledge, urging all individuals and entities associated with KOICA to uphold these principles.
Another presentation offered a personal perspective, as a distinguished Alumnus, Ms. Abena Manso- Howard recounted her experiences, giving the new scholars a firsthand account of life and learning in Korea.
The orientation also emphasized the importance of the awardees serving as exemplary ambassadors of Ghana.
They were encouraged to uphold the laws of Korea and to embody the values of diligence, respect, and integrity throughout their stay.
News
National Service Authority gets new Director-General
The National Service Authority (NSA) has officially welcomed a new Director-General, Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, following a brief handing-over ceremony at its headquarters on Tuesday.
The event marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, to Ms. Seddoh. Management and staff of the Authority attended the ceremony.
Mr. Gyamfi used the occasion to thank staff for their support during his tenure.
He encouraged them to give the same cooperation to Ms. Seddoh to ensure the continued growth and impact of the Authority.
Ms. Seddoh expressed appreciation to government for the confidence placed in her.
She promised to build on the achievements of her predecessor and called for teamwork, dedication and innovation to help the NSA deliver on its mandate to support national development.
Management of the Authority pledged their full support to the new leadership as the organisation enters its next phase.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
NSA board sets up committee to supervise digital reforms
The Governing Board of the National Service Authority (NSA) has announced the inauguration of a Transition and Implementation Steering Committee (TISC) to oversee the Authority’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the Board, the move follows a letter dated 17 June 2025 from the Office of the President to the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment directing the suspension of the existing deployment system, calling for an audit of its operations and instructing the design and deployment of a new digital platform.
The Board explained that the audit had been completed and had found the existing system unsatisfactory.
It indicated that the Minister had written to the Board to begin the necessary legal processes to ensure the contract for the audited system, which expired in August 2025, would not be renewed, and to take further steps toward designing and deploying a new digital platform that would guarantee transparency, security and real-time verification of service personnel postings.
It stressed that the TISC had been established to ensure a smooth and orderly transition from the current National Service Scheme digital platform to a new ICT-led system aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
The Authority outlined the Committee’s mandate as overseeing the phased migration from the legacy system, directing the design and deployment of a modern digital platform, and supervising its operationalisation across core functions including personnel enrolment, postings, payroll, allowances and scheme administration.
It further noted that acting under the directives of the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment and deriving authority from the NSA Board, the TISC has the power to issue instructions to NSA departments and engage external partners necessary to achieve its mandate through the Governing Board.
The Authority named Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, a member of the NSA Board and Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management at the Ministry of Health, as chair of the Committee.
Other members include Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, Mr. Shadrack Mensah, Ms. Elorm Goh, Mr. Benjamin Freeman Kusi, Ms. Jennifer Opong, Dr. Stephan Nwolley, Mr. Koku Abotsi, Mr. Japhet Kuntu, Mr. Nabil Abubakar Hussayn and Ms. Regina Obenewa Penrose as Secretary.
The NSA Board assured the public and stakeholders of its commitment to innovation, accountability and excellence in service delivery.
It emphasised that there would be no disruption in the fulfilment of its obligations to national service personnel as outlined in the National Service Act, Act 1119 (2024), and indicated that updates on the Committee’s progress would be communicated in due course.
With the collective expertise of its members, the TISC is expected to deliver a robust and future-ready platform that will anchor the next phase of the National Service Scheme’s operations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
