It is save to say that for the first time in Ghana’s history in the 4th republic, we have a ‘foreigner’ appointed to say in Ghana government – Kojo Choi!
The appointment of Kojo Choi as Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea by President John Dramani Mahama has sparked widespread discussion, with many people curious about his background.
Before you decide whether or not you like Kojo Choi, at least take a look at why is more does he deserve such a spot
Kojo Choi was born Choi Seung-eub in 1978 in Chuncheon, South Korea, to South Korean parents. He studied in South Korea until the age of 14, when his father, Reverend Missionary John Choi, a missionary, relocated the family to Ghana.
Kojo Choi pursued his education in Ghana, attending SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema from 1994 to 1999. He then earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana, graduating in 2002 after enrolling in 1999.
Kojo Choi has founded and is involved with several companies, including:
PaySwitch Company Limited: A Ghanaian fintech company that provides payment processing services, connecting international card schemes like Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay with local mobile money platforms, including MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo.
Choi is the CEO of PaySwitch, which was established in 2015 and has become a major player in Ghana’s payments space. PaySwitch is certified with both ISO 27001 and PCI DSS, ensuring its compliance with global security standards.
Art Africa: A platform promoting Ghanaian art and identity, which launched the Art Africa Gallery in Osu, Accra, in May 2022. Choi is the founder and chief promoter of Art Africa, aiming to empower African artists and position Ghana as a hub for contemporary art.
NanaTel Limited: An MTN Ghana authorized distributor, involved in mobile money management and customer care services, specifically for the Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana.
Kojo Choi, originally from South Korea, gained Ghanaian citizenship through naturalization, adopting the name Kojo and replacing his birth name, Seung-eub. Having lived in Ghana for over three decades, Kojo has built a deep connection to the country, strongly identifying with its culture and people.
He is married to Elisabeth Choi, and they have lovely children together. Kojo and Elisabeth co-founded One Heart Africa Academy, a Christian school in East Legon, Accra, dedicated to providing education that emphasizes faith and academic excellence.
Kojo Choi served as the deputy head of mission for Ghana during the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
As CEO of the Ghana-based payment service PaySwitch, he facilitated a donation of GHS 100,000.00 from PaySwitch to the Ghana Olympic Committee to support Akwasi Frimpong, Ghana’s sole athlete at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, who competed in the skeleton event.
On June 3, 2025, Kojo Choi shared this on his Facebook Page with the attached picture: 
“33 years ago, I was just 14. Since then, l’ve witnessed every Ghanaian election under the 1992 Constitution. We shocked the world-not with chaos, but with peaceful, democratic transitions. Today, Ghana is a beacon of democracy in Africa. 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. As I near my Golden Jubilee (though I still have 2 more years to cover), I look back with gratitude. The journey has been a blessing. I’m proud to be called Ghanaian. As Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said, “I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.” I feel that deeply. Ghana may not be my birthplace, but it is my true home. May the good Lord continue to bless us and our mother land Ghana ”
