Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to Korea, Kojo Choi, has revealed that he officially obtained Ghanaian citizenship in 1999 after completing the country’s legal naturalisation process.

Speaking to Channel One on Tuesday, August 12, Kojo Choi shared that he moved to Ghana at age 14 after his parents were transferred to serve as Korean Presbyterian missionaries. Choi, who was born in Seoul, speaks few Ghanaian languages such as Twi and Frafra.

Choi attended SOS College in Tema and later furthered his studies in the United States. “I was born in South Korea, I came here [Ghana] when I was 14 years old, I followed my parents. I lived in Seoul, the province where I was born. My parents were sent here as Korean Presbyterian missionaries. Ever since I came here, I have actually lived a unique life."

“I had the opportunity of going to study in the US. At SOS college, everybody had the opportunity to apply to 15 to 20 universities to get admission. I was going to apply, and my father one day called me and sat me down, and said, ‘Son, why do you want to leave Ghana. You could stay here, and you could be a different person altogether. Honestly, I wanted to leave but decided to stay. And made a solemn vow to myself that I was not going back, and that was when I naturalised in 1999,” he added.

Kojo Choi’s clarification comes at a time when some critics have questioned his eligibility following his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama.

In July, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Kojo Choi together with seven others as Ghana’s new Ambassadors and High Commissioners to various countries.

This was contained in by a formal communication issued by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, on Monday, July 21.

Their appointment is expected to boost Ghana's influence and partnerships around the world.

The nominees are as follows; Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah will serve as Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Namibia.

Dr. Kwame Ampofo will represent Ghana in Hungary, he was a member of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic under the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He represented the Sene West Constituency in the Brong-Ahafo Region. He graduated from Montclair University and Essex University.

Mona Helen Kabuki Quartey will serve as Ambassador to the Italian Republic, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in banking and mining. Magnus Kofi Amoatey has been appointed as Ambassador-designate to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He holds a B.A., B.L., and a Diploma from the University of Ghana, as well as a Certificate A from Methodist Training College.

Kenneth Akibate is Ambassador-designate to Burkina Faso, Acting Deputy Clerk in charge of Finance, Administration at the Human Resources Pan-African Parliament (PAP).

Said Sinare is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He is the former National Vice Chairman of the party. This is his second appointment as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Paul Evans Aidoo will head Ghana's mission in the Republic of Kenya. He is the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso and is the Minister for the Western Region of Ghana. The newly appointed adds to the earlier fifteen (15) appointed by the President, bringing the total to twenty-three (23).

Among the nominees are Benjamin A. Quashie for the Republic of South Africa, Kojo Bonsu for the People’s Republic of China, Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe for the Kingdom of Spain, Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali for the United Arab Emirates, Hon. Captain George Kofi Nfojoh for the Togolese Republic, and Grace El Mahmoud Marabe for the United Arab Emirates–Dubai.

The others are Prof. Ohene Adjei for the Federal Republic of Germany, Abdul Nasiru-Deen for the Republic of Turkey, Theresah Adjei-Mensah for the Czech Republic, Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso for India, Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, Ph.D., for Canada, Dr. Margaret Miewien Chebere for Denmark, Labik Joseph Yaani for Equatorial Guinea, Nii Amasah Namoale for the Federative Republic of Brazil, and Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo for the Republic of Senegal.

The letter instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate all required procedures to ensure the nominees' appointments are successfully processed.

Profile of the 15 nominees

Benjamin Kofi Quashie is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, founding the BKQ Foundation to support education, healthcare, and disability initiatives in the country. He chairs the NDC Council of Elders in South Africa and leads Allied Consortiums, demonstrating strong leadership in both political and business spheres.

He is academically grounded with studies at the University of Ghana, LSE, and Robert Kennedy College; he brings a wealth of global insight to the diplomatic service.Kojo Bonsu is a seasoned public servant and businessman, having served as Kumasi’s Metropolitan Chief Executive (2013–2016) and as managing director of GOIL, where he led the company’s rebranding.

He holds a diploma in Sports Business and Marketing through Adidas in Germany and speaks fluent French, giving him cross-cultural expertise. A former presidential aspirant for the NDC, Bonsu’s broad experience in governance, sports administration, and entrepreneurship positions him well for advancing Ghana-China relations

Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe is a former model and a veteran actress who has appeared in over 50 films, notably Babina, Trinity, and Sala. She has won awards, including Golden Actress at the Golden Movie Awards. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from GIMPA (2023), following a first degree in Public Service and Governance (2021), demonstrating her academic commitment subsequent to a successful screen career.

Known for her advocacy in women’s empowerment, education, and youth development, she brings a blend of cultural diplomacy and public engagement to her ambassadorial role.

Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali is a distinguished figure in public service or business. Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali brings extensive experience in international relations and management.

His career is expected to include leadership within commercial or diplomatic sectors relevant to Ghana–UAE ties. He is appointed to promote bilateral collaboration in trade, tourism, and investment between Ghana and the UAE.

Capt. George Kofi Nfojoh is a respected Ghanaian politician who served as the member of parliament for the 4th parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana. He represented the National Democratic Congress of the Ho Central Constituency. He was a captain and worked with the Public Relations Department of the Ghana Armed Forces.

His career spans maritime or military roles, giving him insight into regional cooperation. He’ll be responsible for strengthening Ghana-Togo relations in areas of trade and regional diplomacy.

Grace El Mahmoud Marabe brings a wealth of leadership experience both at home and abroad. She was voted Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2021 BlackExcellence Awards and named among the Top 10 Business Coaches by Herald Magazine in 2020.

Her global engagement includes serving as a speaker at the 13th World Cancer Conference in Paris in 2019. From 2013 to 2016, she contributed to national policy as a Board Member of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Earlier, in 2008, she made history as an elected Virginia State Delegate for President Barack Obama..

Professor Ohene Adjei is an esteemed academic who holds a senior faculty position in Ghana, with specialization likely in economics, science, or engineering. His scholarly work and leadership in higher education make him adept at promoting scientific, educational, and technological cooperation with Germany. His appointment reflects Ghana’s ambition to deepen ties in research and innovation.

Abdul Nasiru‑Deen brings a professional background in diplomacy or international business. His skills and experience position him to foster stronger economic, cultural, and educational ties between Ghana and Turkey. His appointment is aligned with Ghana’s goals to diversify partnership in Eurasia.

Theresah Adjei-Mensah is a seasoned diplomat and or an international relations expert. Her role will involve advancing Ghana–Czech interests in trade, tourism, and academic exchange. Her appointment signals Ghana’s growing outreach in Central Europe.

Professor Obiri‑Danso is the former Vice‑Chancellor of KNUST, known for his expertise in biotechnology and higher education leadership. During his tenure, he enhanced KNUST’s research output and global linkages. His diplomatic role will emphasize educational partnerships, tech collaboration, and innovation between Ghana and India

Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh is a seasoned development practitioner with advanced academic credentials and extensive public service experience. She has held leadership roles in academia or international NGOs, earning respect for her analytical and policy-making skills. Her appointment aims to deepen Ghana–Canada ties in education, migration, and diaspora engagement.

appoints Ambassadors

Dr. Margaret Miewien Chebere is a public health specialist or international development expert with a Ph.D. and a strong record in project implementation. She has worked with development partners to enhance health systems and community resilience in Ghana. Her diplomat role will emphasize cooperation on health, climate change, and renewable energy.

Labik Joseph Yaani is a senior Foreign Service officer with extensive experience in regional diplomacy. His expertise in West/Central African affairs positions him to manage relations with Equatorial Guinea. He is poised to advance Ghana’s interests in energy, regional security, and policy coordination.

Nii Amasah Namoale has served as Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture and as an MP, bringing extensive experience in agriculture, trade, and policy development. He is credited with advancing agricultural modernization and rural development. His role in Brazil will focus on strengthening cooperation in agribusiness, biofuels, and technical exchange.

Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo is a medical doctor and former health official or public health specialist with advanced qualifications. His work has involved strengthening Ghana’s health systems, health security, or disease control initiatives. His diplomatic appointment to Senegal reflects Ghana’s commitment to regional collaboration in health and development.