The news resonated across Ghana, a wave of surprise giving way to a chorus of approval, particularly among those who knew him: Kojo Choi, a man born in South Korea, was appointed Ghana’s ambassador to South Korea. The President’s decision sparked a national conversation about identity, belonging, and the very essence of what it means to be Ghanaian, a conversation that Kojo Choi’s life story embodies perfectly.
Kojo Choi’s journey is one of unlikely beginnings and unwavering dedication, a testament to the transformative power of embracing a new home. Born in South Korea, his life took an unexpected turn at the age of 14 when he moved to Ghana with his father, Mr. Park, a visionary businessman seeking new horizons. Mr. Park, a man deeply moved by Ghana’s burgeoning democracy and its spirit of Pan-Africanism, saw in the nation a land of opportunity and a place where his family could truly belong. He instilled in Kojo a deep respect for Ghanaian culture and a commitment to contributing to its growth.
That commitment took root quickly. As Kojo himself wrote in a recent Facebook post, reflecting on his journey, “33 years ago, I was just 14. Since then, I’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.” This early exposure to Ghana’s democratic process profoundly shaped his understanding of the nation and its values.
