By Theodore Opara

Hyundai Nigeria Limited has reacted to reports that Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea plans to establish an automobile assembly plant in Ghana to serve the West African market, saying details of the development remain unclear.

A source within Hyundai Nigeria, who requested anonymity, said the company was still seeking more information about the reported investment.

“The establishment of an automotive plant in any country depends on several factors, including government policies, support from the host country, infrastructure, and security,” the source said.

The source noted that the development was surprising, considering that Hyundai sells more vehicles in Nigeria than in Ghana.

According to him, decisions of this nature are often the result of government-to-government engagements and bilateral agreements.

“Within the next few days, we expect to have a clearer picture of the situation,” he added.

Reports circulating online indicate that Ghana has secured a Hyundai manufacturing plant as South Korea expands its investment and industrial cooperation with the West African nation.

According to the reports, Ghana is set to host a Hyundai automotive manufacturing facility that will serve the West African market under a new partnership agreement with South Korea.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a social media post on Monday after co-chairing the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in South Korea alongside South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

Ablakwa said Ghana and South Korea were deepening cooperation through initiatives focused on industrialisation, value addition, and job creation, particularly for young people.

According to him, both countries share a commitment to building a mutually beneficial partnership that promotes economic growth and development.

He noted that Ghana and South Korea already collaborate in several sectors, including energy, agriculture, maritime affairs, education, shipbuilding, road infrastructure, and healthcare.

The minister also revealed that both countries were advancing a number of major projects, including a new university in Ghana, a Hyundai automotive manufacturing facility, and solar-powered irrigation systems.

“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.

Ablakwa added that the two nations had agreed to expand cooperation into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy, and critical minerals.

“Additionally, we agreed to collaborate in AI and develop new partnerships in energy and critical minerals,” he said.

He further disclosed that discussions on a visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Korea were progressing. According to him, diplomatic and service passport holders are already covered under the arrangement, while negotiations on a broader agreement continue.

The announcement comes as Ghana and South Korea prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations next year, with both countries expressing optimism about expanding cooperation across strategic sectors.