The Africa Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS), according to citinewsroom.com, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for what it describes as a “visionary” and “strategic” diplomatic decision to appoint Mr Kojo Choi as Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of South Korea.
In a statement signed by Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Governance Specialist and Security Strategist at the Institute, AIGS commended the President for his forward-thinking approach to international relations. The institute described the appointment as a “diplomatic masterstroke” that exemplifies Ghana’s commitment to inclusive, culturally informed and innovation-driven diplomacy.
Mr Kojo Choi, a fintech entrepreneur of Ghanaian and Korean heritage, according to the story, is seen by AIGS as a bridge between African and Asian cultures, with the unique capacity to deepen bilateral ties through shared heritage, technological cooperation, and mutual economic growth.
“Mr Choi’s appointment underscores President Mahama’s recognition of the evolving nature of global diplomacy, where diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and expertise in emerging fields like technology and trade are critical to advancing national and continental interests,” the statement noted.
AIGS emphasised that the choice of Mr Choi aligns with principles of good governance, strategic diplomacy, and Africa’s aspirations under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His background in digital finance and his bicultural experience make him, according to the institute, uniquely positioned to drive partnerships in vital sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and smart agriculture.
Indeed it is not only AIGS that is commending President Mahama for this ambassadorial appointment. A number of civil society organisations and individuals have also commended the president for appointing Choi to head our diplomatic mission in Seoul. Even though foreigners born in Ghana have contributed substantially to the growth of our natural economy, they are, in most of the cases, overlooked when it comes to political appointments even though they are naturalised Ghanaians.
The United Kingdom is our colonial master, but it does not look down upon other races when it comes to appointments. Just a few years ago, a man with Ghanaian heritage, Kwasi Kwarteng, was appointed to head the exchequer. Rishi Sunak, alsowith an Indian heritage, rose through the ranks to become the Prime Minister of UK. As we put this piece together, the current Foreign Minister of Britain is black.
Africa, in most of the cases, accuses her colonial masters in Europe of discrimination, yet these are the same people who are appointing our compatriots to head some of their sensitive positions. In our view, it is high time Africa and Ghana in particular, changed her attitude concerning some of these appointments.
Mr Fadi Samih Daboussi, a fearless critic of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has not only endorsed this appointment, but has taken time to painfully explain how he was snubbed by his own party – the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – for similar appointment because he was considered a Lebanese.
“The argument of the narcissist bigots was that I am white and of Lebanese origins and giving me an appointment would incur the ire of Ghanaians, risking the 2020 general elections,” Daboussi revealed in a Facebook post. Apart from Daboussi, there are possibly many others who have also suffered similar fate, but have not spoken about it.
We certainly need to change this mentality if we are to ensure proper integration of naturalised Ghanaians as being done in America and across Europe. As we earlier indicated, in terms of economic development, UK is far ahead of Ghana, yet an Indian became a Prime Minister. So yes, we join hands with others to congratulate President Mahama for what he has done. He really deserves the applause.
