President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Atta Kojo Choi, widely known as Kojo Choi, as Ghana’s Ambassador-designate to South Korea.
The announcement, made in an official statement signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, follows consultations with the Council of State and reflects the administration’s push to revitalize Ghana’s foreign policy approach. Born in South Korea but raised in Ghana from the age of 14, Choi later obtained Ghanaian citizenship, deepening his ties to the country. His educational background includes studies at SOS College in Tema and the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 2002.
With over two decades of experience spanning telecommunications, fintech, and business consulting, Choi has established himself as a key bridge between Ghana and South Korea. He has advised the Korean Embassy in Ghana and worked with multinational firms, fostering cross-cultural business partnerships. In 2015, he founded PaySwitch Limited, a pioneering fintech company that processes payments for major card networks like Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay while integrating with Ghana’s mobile money platforms. Under his leadership, PaySwitch earned ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certifications, cementing its reputation as a secure and innovative financial services provider. His contributions to the fintech sector earned him recognition as one of Ghana’s 25 Most Influential FinTech Leaders in 2018.
Beyond business, Choi is a passionate advocate for the arts and cultural exchange. He founded Art Africa, an initiative that supports African artists, and launched the Art Africa Gallery in Accra in 2022 to promote contemporary African art. His commitment to social causes was further demonstrated when he organized the Colour Cure exhibition to raise funds for the Korle-Bu Breast Cancer Surgical Unit. A vocal patriot, Choi has often expressed his pride in being Ghanaian, despite his Korean origins. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he reflected on his three decades in Ghana, stating, “Ghana may not be my birthplace, but it is my true home.”
Choi’s nomination has sparked widespread interest, with many viewing his dual-cultural expertise as an asset for strengthening Ghana-South Korea relations. His deep understanding of both nations’ business and cultural landscapes positions him as a strategic choice for advancing trade, investment, and diplomatic ties. As Ghana seeks to expand its global partnerships, Choi’s appointment signals a forward-looking approach to diplomacy—one that leverages diaspora expertise and entrepreneurial vision for national progress. If confirmed, his tenure could mark a new chapter in Ghana’s engagement with Asia’s economic powerhouses.
