“Ghana raised me, educated me, and shaped me”: Amb. Kojo Choi’s journey from scholarship student to envoy to Korea

The remarkable life journey of Ghana’s newly commissioned Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Kojo Choi, was laid bare this week following his official swearing-in ceremony on October 1st.

In a deeply personal reflection, Ambassador Choi highlighted how institutions and mentors in Ghana provided him with a “world-class education” and an identity, which led him from the uncertainty of being a struggling student to the honour of representing the nation abroad.

Ambassador Choi, whose appointment signifies a powerful link between Ghana and his birth country, Korea, emotionally described the moment of his commissioning as the ultimate validation of his connection to Ghana.

“Ghana raised me. Ghana educated me. Ghana shaped me,” Ambassador Choi declared in a Facebook post, emphasising that Ghana was far more than just a place of residence.

The Role of SOS and a Crucial Decision

Ambassador Choi’s formative years were heavily influenced by the SOS College, founded by Mrs. Margaret Nkrumah.

He credited a pivotal scholarship decision made by Mrs. Nkrumah for setting him on his path.

He recalled the highly competitive environment to gain admission to the newly established SOS College:

“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.”

Despite ranking 42nd on the admissions list, Ambassador Choi was chosen by Mrs. Nkrumah and was awarded what was essentially a full scholarship supported by the international SOS foundation. This access allowed him to complete the rigorous Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma, opening doors to global opportunities.

Mentors Who Secured a Future at Legon

Ambassador Choi’s journey continued at the University of Ghana (Legon), where he enrolled in 1999. It was during this period that he struggled financially but found a crucial lifeline in the institution’s leadership.

He recounted the immense financial strain of being an international student: “I could never pay my ‘international student tuition fees’ on time. Every semester was a struggle.”

His salvation came in the form of Mr. Teddy Konu, the former Registrar of the University of Ghana. Instead of being barred from studies, Mr. Konu ensured his continuity:

“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.”

The Ambassador described his entry into Legon not just as an admission, but as a moment of commitment: “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.”

A Son of Ghana Serving Abroad

At the commissioning ceremony, Ambassador Choi was visibly moved, especially by the presence of those who stood in for his biological parents who could not attend, including Mrs. Margaret Nkrumah and Mr. Teddy Konu. He was also joined by Dr. Nathan Annobi (a friend for over 20 years since his Legon days), diplomat Mr. Stephen Danso, and his Korean associates, Mr. Hong and Mr. Han, whom he first met in Ghana.

Ambassador Choi saw his ultimate appointment by the President of Ghana as the affirmation of his decades-long commitment to the nation.

“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.”

Fighting back tears while reading the Vote of Allegiance, Ambassador Choi acknowledged the emotional significance of his journey:

“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.”

As he prepares for his diplomatic mission, Ambassador Choi stated his determination to strengthen the bonds between Ghana and Korea, not only in trade and diplomacy but also in culture, education, and mutual understanding. He stated that he goes as “a son of Ghana who has been nurtured by her grace,” with the hope that his service will honor the nation and inspire the next generation.

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