From a struggling student in Ghana to the nation’s Ambassador in South Korea, Kojo Choi’s journey is a powerful story of gratitude, perseverance, and purpose.

• Kojo Choi, Ghana’s new envoy to South Korea, thanked Ghana for shaping his life and identity.

• A scholarship from Mrs. Nkrumah at SOS College opened his path to success.

• With help from Mr. Konu, he overcame financial struggles at the University of Ghana.

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• He sees his appointment as a tribute to Ghana and vows to strengthen ties with Korea.

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Ghana’s newly appointed envoy to South Korea, Kojo Choi, shared his inspiring story this week after officially taking office on October 1st.

In a heartfelt message, he spoke about how Ghanaian schools and mentors shaped his future, giving him both confidence and opportunity. Once a student facing challenges, he now stands proudly as the nation’s representative abroad.

Choi, who embodies the bond between Ghana and his native Korea, described his commissioning as a deeply meaningful moment that affirmed his lifelong connection to Ghana.

“Ghana raised me. Ghana educated me. Ghana shaped me,” Ambassador Choi wrote on Facebook, stressing that the country was much more to him than simply a home.

1️⃣The Role of SOS and a Crucial Decision

Ambassador Choi’s early development was deeply shaped by SOS College, an institution established by Mrs. Margaret Nkrumah.

He expressed gratitude to Mrs. Nkrumah for awarding him a life-changing scholarship that marked the beginning of his journey.

He recounted the intense competition students faced when seeking admission to the then-new 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.”

Although he placed 42nd on the entrance list, Mrs. Nkrumah personally selected him and granted a full scholarship funded by the international SOS Foundation. This opportunity enabled him to pursue the demanding Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma, paving the way for his international prospects.

2️⃣Mentors Who Secured a Future at Legon

Choi went on to study at the University of Ghana, Legon, beginning in 1999. During this time, he faced severe financial hardship but received vital support from the school’s administration.

He shared how difficult it was to keep up with the high international student fees, admitting that each semester brought new financial stress.

His breakthrough came through Mr. Teddy Konu, the University’s former Registrar, who stepped in to keep him enrolled instead of allowing his education to be interrupted.

“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 viewed his acceptance into Legon as more than mere enrollment—it represented a personal pledge to persevere and make the most of the opportunity:

 “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.”

3️⃣ A Proud Ghanaian Representing His Nation Overseas

During the commissioning event, Ambassador Choi grew emotional as he was surrounded by people who had played key roles in his life, standing in for his parents who were unable to attend. Among them were Mrs. Margaret Nkrumah, Mr. Teddy Konu, longtime friend Dr. Nathan Annobi, diplomat Mr. Stephen Danso, and his Korean colleagues Mr. Hong and Mr. Han—both of whom he first met in Ghana.

He viewed his selection by Ghana’s President as a powerful acknowledgment of his lifelong dedication to the country.

To Ambassador Choi, the President’s decision to appoint him was a powerful recognition of the years he has devoted to serving Ghana.

“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.”

Holding back tears as he delivered the Vote of Allegiance, Ambassador Choi reflected on the deep personal meaning behind his long 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 sets out on his diplomatic assignment, Ambassador Choi expressed his commitment to deepening ties between Ghana and Korea—extending beyond commerce and politics to include culture, learning, and shared values. He emphasized that he departs as “a son of Ghana who has been nurtured by her grace,” with the aspiration that his work will bring pride to Ghana and motivate future generations to serve with the same dedication.

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