Kojo Choi, a South Korean-born Ghanaian, has made history as the first person of Korean descent to be appointed Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to South Korea. His nomination, announced by President John Dramani Mahama in July 2025, is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
In an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 12, Choi reflected on his deep integration into Ghanaian society. Arriving in the country at age 14 without speaking Twi, he quickly immersed himself in the language and culture.
“I couldn’t speak Twi when I first arrived in Ghana. I attended SOS Junior High School in Tema, and that’s where I learnt it. I had an aggregate 5 in Asante Twi for BECE, while my Ghanaian friend, who is fully Ghanaian, had six, and another had seven. I had a pass mark, but it’s not easy to get that,” he recalled.
Choi went on to attend SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College and the University of Ghana. While his early boarding school experience focused on English, French, or Swedish, he also picked up Pidgin English and learned some Frafra during visits to Ghana’s Upper East Region. Today, he is fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra.
Affirming his national identity, Choi said, “I am a full Ghanaian; I don’t hold any other passport apart from the Ghanaian passport. This is my home.”
Professionally, Choi brings over two decades of experience in Ghana and the West African region, with expertise in telecommunications, financial technology, marketing communications, and business consulting.
He is the founder and CEO of PaySwitch Ghana Limited, the country’s first third-party payment processor capable of handling Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay, while integrating all major mobile money operators in Ghana. Under his leadership, the company has recorded remarkable success and innovation in the digital economy.
Beyond business, Choi has contributed to Ghana’s cultural and sporting landscape, founding Art Africa, a cultural and gallery centre in Accra that promotes African artists. He is also an accomplished golfer, having won the Men’s Group A title at the 2023 MTN Ghana Invitational Golf Tournament.
Choi’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s diplomatic history, reflecting his dedication to national development and his role as a bridge between Ghana and South Korea.
