Ghana’s Ambassador to Korea, Kojo Choi, has expressed gratitude to Ghana for the opportunity given to him.
According to him, he hopes to strengthen the bonds between Ghana and Korea not only in trade and diplomacy, but also in culture, education, and mutual understanding.
He made this known in a post shared via social media, reminiscing about how Ghana helped him to become who he currently is.
To him, representing Ghana in Korea is a responsibility he does not take lightly and will do everything to ensure that Ghana gains from his representation.
Kojo Choi is hopeful that service will honor God, uplift Ghana, and inspire the next generation of young people who may one day find themselves walking a similar path.
Read His Post Below
On October 1st, I stood at the Ambassador’s Commissioning in Ghana. My parents, my wife, and my children could not be there, but God had prepared others who had walked alongside me as a family.
Representing my father was Mr. Teddy Konu, the former Registrar of the University of Ghana, and standing in place of my mother was Mrs. Margaret Nkrumah, the founder of SOS College.
I was also deeply honored to be joined by four others who have been pillars in my journey.
Dr. Nathan Annobi, my friend and partner of more than 20 years since our Legon days.
Mr. Stephen Danso, who once served as Consular Officer at the Ghana Embassy in Korea, and who taught me invaluable lessons in diplomacy.
Mr. Hong and Mr. Han, my Korean brothers I first met in Ghana, who stood with me in both the hardest and the happiest of times.
Looking back now, Ghana is not just the country where I lived.
Ghana raised me. Ghana educated me. Ghana shaped me.
At SOS College, which was newly established at the time, I received what was virtually a full scholarship, supported by the international SOS foundation. It was not an easy school to enter. I recall, out of 700 applicants, half were allowed to sit for the exam, 45 were shortlisted for interviews, and only 25 were finally admitted. I ranked 42nd, but Mrs. Nkrumah chose me. Because of her decision, I was able to study at SOS College, where I completed the Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma, gaining access to world-class education and new opportunities.
Then in 1999, when I entered the University of Ghana, I made a decision in my heart: “I will stay in Ghana. I will become one with this nation and live my life here.”
It was more than just an admission. It was the moment I embraced my identity and calling. Yet the reality was difficult. I could never pay my “international student tuition fees” on time. Every semester was a struggle. Whenever that happened, I would go to see the Registrar, Mr. Konu. He would call the finance office so I could pay only a small portion of the fees and continue my studies until I could gather more. Thanks to his help and the little-by-little persistence, I was able to graduate from Legon.
And now, it is the President of Ghana who has appointed me as the Ambassador to Korea. It is as if he fully understood the story of my life that Ghana had adopted me, educated me, and raised me as her own. Knowing this, he chose to appoint me, someone who perhaps understands the language, culture, and heart of Ghana more deeply than many, to return to the land of my birth, Korea, as Ghana’s Ambassador.
From SOS to Legon, and now to this historic role, I cannot help but be moved with deep gratitude and awe.
When I stood before the nation and read the Vote of Allegiance, my heart swelled with emotion. I had to fight back tears as I uttered the words, realizing how far the journey had been from a struggling student to a servant of Ghana entrusted with the responsibility of representing the nation abroad.
Now, as I go to Korea to serve as Ghana’s Ambassador, I carry with me a deep sense of responsibility and hope.
I go not only as a diplomat, but as a son of Ghana who has been nurtured by her grace. I go with the determination to strengthen the bonds between Ghana and Korea not only in trade and diplomacy, but also in culture, education, and mutual understanding.
Above all, I go with the prayer that my service will honor God, uplift Ghana, and inspire the next generation of young people who may one day find themselves walking a similar path.
This journey is not just a personal story. I truly believe it is the path of calling that God Himself prepared for me.
