Kojo Choi denies NDC ties, says appointment based on competence

Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has refuted claims that he is politically aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) despite being appointed by President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, on Tuesday, August 12, Mr Choi said his professional work and relationships cut across political lines, stressing that his appointment was purely on merit.

“I have never been political. I know a lot of people in the NPP. For example, our company PaySwitch was launched by Dr Bawumia, who came because he is very interested in digitalisation, not for political reasons. The company is one I co-founded with my partner, and people assumed there was a political connection, but there wasn’t,” he said.

He recalled that former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo attended the opening of his art gallery, explaining that her visit was motivated by her passion for art and her support for his vision to promote emerging artists rather than established ones.

Mr Choi stressed that his friendships span both the NPP and NDC and insisted that he has “never lobbied or sponsored” political causes. “I have always been a quiet entrepreneur,” he added.

Although born in South Korea, Choi relocated to Ghana at the age of 14 and has since become a naturalised Ghanaian citizen. He embodies a unique cultural and business bridge between the two nations, with a life and career deeply rooted in Ghana.

Choi’s education in Ghana

Choi’s educational background is firmly Ghanaian. After moving to Ghana, he attended SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema, a reputable secondary school. He then pursued higher education at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, specialising in Accounting at the University of Ghana Business School (previously known as the School of Administration).

Professional life

Professionally, Kojo Choi has amassed over 20 years of experience in Ghana and the West African region, with expertise spanning telecommunications, financial technology (Fintech), marketing communications and business consulting. He is the founder and CEO of PaySwitch Ghana Limited, the country’s first third-party payment processor capable of handling major international card schemes such as Visa, MasterCar, and UnionPay, as well as integrating all major mobile money operators in Ghana. Under his leadership, PaySwitch has achieved notable success and technological innovation in the Ghanaian digital economy.

Apart from Fintech, Mr. Choi has contributed to Ghana’s cultural and sports sectors, notably founding Art Africa – a cultural and gallery centre in Accra that promotes African artists. He is also an accomplished golfer, having won the Men’s Group A title at the 2023 MTN Ghana Invitational Golf Tournament.

Kojo Choi’s appointment as Ambassador-designate to South Korea, announced officially by President John Dramani Mahama in July 2025, is a milestone reflecting his long-standing commitment to Ghana’s development and international representation. This appointment is historic, as Choi is the first individual of Korean descent to hold such a diplomatic post in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

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