By Aaron 
The appointment of Kojo Choi as Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea by President John Dramani Mahama has captured national attention.
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Igniting curiosity about the life and journey of the man who once went by the name Choi Seung-eub. Kojo’s remarkable transformation—from his early years in South Korea to becoming a proud Ghanaian citizen and influential entrepreneur—is a story of vision, perseverance, and love for Ghana.
Early Life and Education: A Cross-Continental Foundation
Kojo Choi was born in 1978 in Chuncheon, South Korea, to South Korean parents. His father, Reverend Missionary John Choi, was a Christian missionary whose work would eventually take the entire family to West Africa. At the age of 14, Kojo’s life took a transformative turn when his father relocated the family to Ghana.
Immersed in Ghanaian culture from his teenage years, Kojo pursued his secondary education at SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema from 1994 to 1999. Driven by a passion for business and development, he continued his studies at the University of Ghana, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 2002. His education in Ghana provided a solid foundation for his future contributions to the country’s economic and cultural landscape.
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Entrepreneurial Impact: Building Ghanaian Businesses
Over the years, Kojo Choi has proven himself as a visionary entrepreneur, contributing significantly to Ghana’s digital economy, artistic landscape, and mobile communications. Some of his most notable ventures include:
- PaySwitch Company Limited: Founded in 2015, PaySwitch is a Ghanaian fintech company specializing in payment processing. As CEO, Kojo has overseen the company’s rise to prominence, integrating global card schemes such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay with local platforms like MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo. The company is ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certified, placing it among the top secure payment providers in Ghana.
- Art Africa: In 2022, Kojo launched Art Africa and its flagship gallery in Osu, Accra. This platform is dedicated to promoting contemporary Ghanaian art and empowering African creatives. Under his leadership, Art Africa has become a cultural beacon, helping position Ghana as an emerging global art hub.
- NanaTel Limited: As an MTN Ghana authorized distributor, NanaTel plays a crucial role in mobile money and customer care services in the Eastern and Volta regions. Through this venture, Kojo has supported digital financial inclusion in underserved communities.
A Ghanaian by Choice: Embracing Identity and Citizenship
Though born in South Korea, Kojo Choi chose Ghana as his permanent home. After living in the country for more than three decades, he underwent naturalization and adopted the Ghanaian name “Kojo.” His deep integration into Ghanaian society is a testament to his love for the country and its people.
Kojo is married to Elisabeth Choi, and together they have built both a family and a legacy. The couple co-founded One Heart Africa Academy, a Christian school in East Legon, Accra, that emphasizes academic excellence grounded in Christian values.
Diplomatic and Social Contributions
Kojo Choi has not only thrived in the private sector but has also made meaningful contributions to Ghana’s representation on the international stage. He served as Deputy Head of Mission for Ghana during the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. In his role, he facilitated a GHS 100,000 donation from PaySwitch to support Akwasi Frimpong, Ghana’s sole representative at the games. This generous gesture underscored his commitment to national pride and youth empowerment.
A Message of Hope and Gratitude
On June 3, 2025, Kojo shared a reflective message on his Facebook page, marking 33 years since he first arrived in Ghana:
“I could have left to the USA or to Korea at some point in life, but I chose to stay—not chase so-called greener pastures abroad. I naturalised as a Ghanaian, and I’ve never looked back… Ghana may not be my birthplace, but it is my true home.”
Quoting Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Kojo echoed the sentiment, “I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.” His words resonated with many Ghanaians, both at home and in the diaspora.
A Symbol of Ghana-Korea Relations
As Ghana’s new Ambassador to South Korea, Kojo Choi represents more than just diplomatic relations—he embodies the possibilities of cultural fusion, national loyalty, and personal transformation. His journey from South Korea to the heart of Ghanaian leadership is not just inspiring; it’s a powerful reminder that patriotism is not solely defined by birthplace but by one’s actions, choices, and commitment to nation-building.
Kojo Choi stands today as a living bridge between two nations, bringing the warmth of Ghana to the East and strengthening bonds that transcend borders.
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