Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has expressed confidence that Korean companies will invest in Ghana if the right conditions are in place and there is a mutually beneficial framework.
Speaking ahead of his official assumption of duty, Mr. Choi noted that certain opportunities will only materialise if Ghana and Africa can serve as a ground for Korea’s next phase of industrial and technological expansion.
“If it will benefit our country, we have to go and see what is in there. If you think of Korea, it is a very high-tech, very industrial place. So many of the companies in Korea are looking for ways and means of being able to go on the next journey.
“I believe that Ghana and Africa can provide that platform for them. Of course, there are certain conditions, like if the environment is suitable for them – they will only come when they know it’s beneficial to them”
Kojo Choi, Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea
He emphasised that his diplomatic approach will centre on striking a balance that yields tangible outcomes for both sides. “A good ambassador understands business, being able to balance a win-win. I believe a lot could be done in that sense,” he stated.
Mr. Choi has also addressed questions about his nationality, making it clear that he holds only a Ghanaian passport. He explained that although he was born to Korean parents, he moved to Ghana at the age of 14 and was naturalised as a Ghanaian in 1999.
“I am a full Ghanaian,” he affirmed, adding that he attended SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School in Tema before pursuing higher education at the University of Ghana. Fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra, he remarked, “I consider myself Ghanaian. This is my home.”
His appointment by President John Dramani Mahama sparked debate among sections of the public who questioned the choice of a Ghanaian with Korean heritage to represent the country in Seoul.
In response, Mr. Choi drew powerful historical parallels with Ghana’s first president, saying, “I would like to rewind time to when Dr. Kwame Nkrumah appointed a Greek businessman to France.”
Rejecting Political Allegiance Claims
Mr. Choi firmly denied any political motivation behind his appointment, stating that his relationships span Ghana’s two main political parties without partisan alignment.
“I have never been political. I know a lot of people in the NPP. For example, our company PaySwitch was launched by Dr. Bawumia because he is very interested in digitalisation – not for political reasons”
Kojo Choi, Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea
The Ambassador-Designate co-founded PaySwitch, a digital payments firm, and stressed that the project was conceived purely as a business venture, rejecting people’s assumption that there was a political connection. “There wasn’t,” he said.
He also highlighted the attendance of former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo at the opening of his art gallery as another example of a non-political relationship. According to him, her presence was driven by her love for art and her interest in supporting emerging artists.
“I have never lobbied or sponsored any political cause. I have always been a quiet entrepreneur,” he stated.
Investment-Driven Mission
For Mr. Choi, the mission in South Korea will not be ceremonial but driven by specific outcomes, particularly in attracting high-value investment to Ghana’s economy.
He said his background in business gives him a practical understanding of what companies look for before committing capital. This, he believes, will be central to his engagement with Korean corporations exploring opportunities abroad.
His view is that Ghana’s competitive edge lies in presenting itself as a “stable, business-friendly destination,” while ensuring that any partnerships yield long-term value for the country. He underscored that mutual benefit must remain the guiding principle.
Mr. Choi’s stance of mutual benefit aligns with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to expand its investment base and diversify its economic partnerships. With Korea’s strong technological and manufacturing capacity, he sees potential for collaboration in sectors such as digital innovation, industrial development, and renewable energy.
By combining his local understanding with his knowledge of Korean culture and business practices, Mr. Choi is confident in positioning Ghana as an attractive investment hub in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
His dual cultural exposure, he said, is not a question of divided loyalty but “a strength that can be leveraged for Ghana’s economic advancement.”
As he prepares to take up his post, Mr. Choi remains focused on ensuring that Ghana’s engagement with Korea moves beyond symbolic diplomacy to concrete gains in trade, technology transfer, and industrial partnerships.
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