President John Dramani Mahama has nominated eight new Ambassadors and High Commissioners, a move aimed at boosting Ghana’s diplomatic relations and strengthening bilateral ties with strategic partners. Among these appointments, Kojo Choi, designated Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea, has sparked considerable controversy on social media, with many questioning his background and citizenship.
Kojo Choi: A Naturalized Ghanaian of Korean Descent
Kojo Choi’s name on the latest list of distinguished individuals appointed as Ambassadors and High Commissioners has ignited a huge controversy on social media. Many people seem unfamiliar with Choi, who is believed to be of Korean descent. His appointment marks the first time an individual of Korean descent has been offered an ambassadorial position in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Despite the online debate, details about Choi’s citizenship have emerged, primarily from a Facebook post. A Ghanaian by naturalization, Choi has demonstrated a deep commitment to the country for 33 years. A picture, believed to be him, dressed in what appears to be a uniform from one of the Junior High Schools in the country, has also surfaced, adding to the public’s curiosity.
In his Facebook post, Choi expressed his profound love for Ghana and its democratic values. He stated that he chose to stay in Ghana despite opportunities to leave for the US or Korea, citing a powerful quote by Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: “I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.”
Choi’s post further elaborated on his journey: “33 years ago, I was just 14. Since then, I’ve witnessed every Ghanaian election under the 1992 Constitution. We shocked the world—not with chaos, but with peaceful, democratic transitions. Today, Ghana is a beacon of democracy in Africa. I could have left to the US or to Korea at some point in life, but I chose to stay—not chase so-called greener pastures abroad. I naturalized as a Ghanaian, and I’ve never looked back. As I near my Golden Jubilee (though still have 2 more years to cover), I look back with gratitude. The journey has been a blessing. I’m proud to be called Ghanaian. As Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said, ‘I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.’ I feel that deeply. Ghana may not be my birthplace, but it is my true home. May the good Lord continue to bless us and our mother land Ghana.”
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Public Reaction and Endorsements
The announcement of Choi’s nomination has generated varied reactions. While some on social media have voiced concerns regarding his background and citizenship, others, like Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, have publicly celebrated the appointment. In a Facebook post, Bentil stated, “I know Kojo Choi. He’s a fantastic choice.”
About Kojo Choi
Kojo Choi’s profile, sighted by BigFamily News, indicates that he is a seasoned entrepreneur who has spent the past two decades developing businesses in Ghana and across the West Coast of Africa. He has served in consulting roles for the Korean Embassy and multinational companies due to his in-depth knowledge of business in Africa. His scope of business experience ranges from telecommunications, financial technologies, marketing communications, and consultancy. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PaySwitch Limited.
Full List of Ambassadorial and High Commissioner Nominees:
The nominations, which were made after consultations with the Council of State, were formally communicated by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to begin the necessary processes to formalize these appointments.
- Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah – Ambassador-designate to Namibia
- Kojo Choi – Ambassador-designate to South Korea
- Dr. Kwame Ampofo – Ambassador-designate to Hungary
- Mona Helen Kabuki Quartey – Ambassador-designate to Italy
- Magnus Kofi Amoatey – Ambassador-designate to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Kenneth Akibate – Ambassador-designate to Burkina Faso
- Said Saleh Sinare – Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Paul Evans Aidoo – High Commissioner-designate to Kenya
In a related development, President Mahama has also made changes to Ghana’s representation at the Vatican City State. Benedict Batabe Assorow has been nominated as Ambassador-designate, replacing Satirich Dorcas Ocran.
