L-R: Henry Kwesi Prempeh, Kwaku Azar and Gabriella Tetteh
The appointment of Kojo Choi as ambassador-designate to South Korea has sparked myriad reactions among Ghanaians, with opinions divided over whether the decision is a step in the right direction.
While some Ghanaians have raised concerns about Kojo Choi’s background and citizenship, others have commended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision, praising his inclusive approach to governance and his commitment to prioritising merit and competence over race and ethnicity.
Here are some Ghanaian personalities who have backed the appointment.
Kwaku Azar
Commending the appointment, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a private legal practitioner, shared the view that the appointment ‘served as a timely reminder of the complexities of citizenship in our globalised world and the enduring realities of dual citizenship.’
According to him, Mahama’s decision reflects a strong commitment to amending the Constitution to allow individuals with dual citizenship to hold public office.
“The Dual Citizenship Rights Protection Society (DUCRIPS) warmly congratulates Kojo Choi on his appointment as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea. His appointment serves as a timely reminder of the complexities of citizenship in our globalised world and the enduring realities of dual citizenship,” he said on Friday, July 25, 2025 on Facebook.
“It highlights the need to reform outdated legal restrictions that continue to bar competent, patriotic citizens with dual nationality from holding public office. We commend His Excellency, the President, for his openness in acknowledging this issue and expressing commitment to amending the Constitution to allow dual citizens to serve fully in Ghana’s public sector. This is a critical step toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and globally connected Ghana,” Kwaku Azar added.
Kwasi Prempeh
Henry Kwesi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, has backed the appointment, describing it as a “smart move.”
He emphasised that an individual’s citizenship should not be judged based on race or ethnicity, but rather on broader and more substantive criteria.
“Smart move. Outside-the-box thinking. Ghanaian citizenship is not defined by race or ethnicity,” he wrote on Facebook.
Gabriella Tetteh
Gabriella Tetteh an NDC stalwart has also weighed in on the controversy. She argued that individuals raised in Ghana, despite holding different nationalities often consider themselves Ghanaian citizens.
She referenced the existence of several multicultural communities across the country whose members identify as Ghanaians.
Tetteh endorsed the appointment, describing it as “a good choice” given the nominee’s knowledge of South Korea, where he has been named Ghana’s envoy.
“I can understand why people will question this appointment based on the look of a person but we have to appreciate the fact that, there are also other nationalities whose offsprings are born and raised here. Hence, they consider themselves Ghanaians.
“There are many examples in the Indian, Lebanese etc communities. Kojo was raised and educated here. Built his businesses here from Billboard advertising to Payswitch to Le Must restaurant etc. Maybe you know the brands he’s built but today you meet the man behind the brands. This is a good choice for an ambassador to South Korea,” she posted on Facebook.
Kojo Choi, a businessman of Korean descent, naturalised as a Ghanaian after receiving his childhood education in the country.
MAG/VPO
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