Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has rejected claims that his appointment was politically motivated or influenced by ties to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr. Choi emphasized that his selection by President John Dramani Mahama was based solely on his professional qualifications and not political affiliation.
“I have never been political,” Choi said. “I know people in both parties. Our company, PaySwitch, was launched by Dr. Bawumia, not for political reasons but because of his interest in digitalisation.”
He added that former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo once attended the opening of his art gallery, not out of political alignment but due to her passion for art and support for emerging creatives.
“People assumed there was a political connection, but there wasn’t. I have never lobbied or sponsored any political cause. I’ve always been a quiet entrepreneur,” he said.
A Unique Ghana-South Korea Bridge
Though born in South Korea, Kojo Choi moved to Ghana at age 14 and later became a naturalised Ghanaian. His multicultural background positions him as a bridge between the two nations, making his diplomatic posting both symbolic and strategic.
Choi completed his secondary education at SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema, before earning a BSc in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from the University of Ghana Business School (formerly School of Administration) in 2002.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Professionally, Choi has more than two decades of experience across West Africa in telecommunications, fintech, marketing communications, and business consultancy. He is the founder and CEO of PaySwitch Ghana Limited, Ghana’s pioneering third-party payment processor integrating major global card schemes like Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, as well as all local mobile money platforms.
Under his leadership, PaySwitch has driven significant innovation in Ghana’s digital finance sector.
Choi is also a notable contributor to Ghana’s cultural and sporting landscapes. He founded Art Africa, a gallery and cultural hub that supports emerging African artists. In 2023, he won the Men’s Group A title at the MTN Ghana Invitational Golf Tournament, cementing his status as a prominent figure in Ghana’s golfing community.
A Historic Appointment
President Mahama officially announced Choi’s appointment in July 2025, marking the first time an individual of Korean descent has been nominated for an ambassadorial role in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Choi’s appointment represents not only a deepening of Ghana-South Korea relations but also a recognition of his lifelong contributions to Ghana’s economic and cultural development.
