Kojo Choi, Ghana’s newly appointed Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, pushed back against critics questioning his national identity, stating unequivocally that he is a full Ghanaian citizen and holds no dual nationality.

In an interview aired Tuesday on Citi TV’s Face to Face, Choi addressed the controversy stirred by his appointment, noting that although he was born to Korean parents, he has lived in Ghana for over three decades and became a naturalized citizen in 1999.

“I am fully Ghanaian,” Choi said. “I hold only a Ghanaian passport. This is my home.”

Mr.Choi, who moved to Ghana at the age of 14, was educated at SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School in Tema and later earned a degree from the University of Ghana. Fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra, he emphasized his deep-rooted integration into Ghanaian society.

His nomination by President John Dramani Mahama drew scrutiny from some Ghanaians questioning why a person of Korean heritage was tapped to represent the country in Seoul. Choi defended the decision, noting that his background, experience, and understanding of both Ghanaian and Korean cultures position him well for the diplomatic role.

Beyond his public service appointment, Choi is a well-known figure in Ghana’s business community. He co-founded PaySwitch, a fintech company that focuses on digital payments. He stressed the firm’s nonpartisan mission, clarifying that its 2017 launch—officiated by then-Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia—was driven by shared interest in digital innovation, not political affiliation.

“I’ve never been politically aligned,” Choi said. “We invited Dr. Bawumia because of his commitment to digitalisation. It was not a political move.”

He also recounted support from figures across Ghana’s political divide, including former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, who attended the launch of his Accra-based art gallery. According to Choi, her presence stemmed from a mutual interest in supporting the arts—not political endorsement.

“I have never lobbied or sponsored any political party,” Choi said, underscoring his neutrality.

As he prepares for his diplomatic assignment, Choi appears intent on steering focus away from identity politics and toward the qualifications and experience he brings to the post.

“This country made me who I am,” he said. “And I intend to serve it with everything I have.”