Entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and naturalized Ghanaian tapped for top diplomatic post

At first glance, Kojo Choi’s life reads like a cross-continental novel — born in South Korea, raised in Ghana, now poised to return to his country of birth, this time as Ghana’s official envoy.

Choi, a tech entrepreneur and cultural advocate, has been named Ghana’s ambassador-designate to the Republic of South Korea. The appointment, announced by President John Mahama, is as symbolic as it is strategic — a reflection of Ghana’s growing diplomatic confidence and a recognition of Choi’s unique blend of backgrounds.

“I took root in Korea, was transplanted to Ghana, and there, my life grew and began to bear fruit,” Choi wrote in an emotional Facebook post following the announcement. “Ghana may not be my birthplace, but it is my true home.”

That home has been central to Choi’s personal and professional life for over three decades. Arriving in Ghana at the age of 14, he attended SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema and later studied Business Administration at the University of Ghana, Legon. Over time, he traded youthful curiosity for entrepreneurial ambition, building companies that would leave a lasting impact on Ghana’s tech and cultural landscape.

Chief among them is PaySwitch Ghana Ltd., the country’s first third-party processor for international card schemes. As CEO, Choi helped modernize Ghana’s digital payment infrastructure and extend financial services to underserved markets. He has also worked behind the scenes as a business consultant for multinational firms and the Korean Embassy, offering insights into African markets.

But Choi’s ambitions have always reached beyond boardrooms. In Accra, he founded Art Africa, a gallery that celebrates and promotes the work of African artists, carving out a space where culture and commerce intersect. He’s also known on the green — in 2023, he won the Men’s Group A title at the MTN Ghana Invitational Golf Tournament at Achimota Golf Club.

Despite his many ventures, Choi has consistently emphasized a life grounded in purpose and rooted in Ghanaian identity. In his social media post, he reflected on his decision not to follow peers abroad, but to stay in Ghana, naturalize, and raise a family — six children, in fact, far surpassing the “three” he had once planned.

“As I near my Golden Jubilee… I look back with gratitude,” he wrote. “We shocked the world—not with chaos, but with peaceful, democratic transitions. Today, Ghana is a beacon of democracy in Africa.”

Choi’s story comes at a time when artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and creative economies are shaping global diplomacy. With his expertise in fintech, his cultural fluency, and personal ties to both nations, he is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between Ghana and South Korea.

For many who know him, the appointment feels like a full-circle moment. For Choi, it is a continuation of a journey that began over 30 years ago — one that now carries the weight and promise of national service.

“I’m proud to be called Ghanaian,” he said. “May the good Lord continue to bless us and our motherland Ghana.”