Ambassador Kojo Choi’s appointment honours his commitment to Ghana

Recently, reactions especially on social media have varied following the release of names for ambassador-designates to serve in foreign missions on behalf of President Mahama. One name that has emerged prominently is Ambassador Kojo Choi.

On Tuesday night August 12, I watched Ambassador Kojo Choi’s interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on FACE2FACE. It was an engaging conversation. Ambassador Choi revealed that he came to Ghana with his missionary parents at the age of 14 and initially hoped to pursue tertiary education in the United States after completing his pre-tertiary studies in Ghana. He recounted that his father asked why he wanted to study in the U.S., and he ultimately decided to stay in Ghana. He also disclosed that he began the process of naturalizing as a Ghanaian in 1999, a journey that took 15 years because he wanted to learn and speak at least one Ghanaian language and to provide proof of language proficiency.

In my view, the length of the naturalization process and his subsequent renunciation of his South Korean citizenship underscore his commitment to Ghana’s development. The South Korean passport is highly ranked globally, offering visa-free travel to many countries, while the Ghanaian passport ranks lower. This contrast highlights Kojo Choi’s dedication to Ghana, as he chose to pledge his allegiance to the country of his adopted home.

Truth be told, many Ghanaians might not undertake what he did if placed in his position. I believe President Mahama’s acknowledgment of his commitment to the Ghana agenda was a rightful and meaningful gesture—one of the surest ways to reward such dedication to a nation’s progress. There are others like Kojo Choi who have left lucrative positions abroad to help build Ghana. With time, more who share this commitment can be called upon to contribute to the Ghana we want. If Ghana improves, perhaps more people will choose to stay and contribute rather than seek greener pastures elsewhere. Congratulations to Amb. Kojo Choi and I wish him well in his endeavours.

May Allah bless our home land Ghana 🇬🇭 and make it stronger.

Ing. Dr Baba I. Musah.
[email protected]