Seoul, South Korea – Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has outlined progress in diplomatic relations, visa access, employment cooperation and climate investment as the Ghanaian community in the Asian country celebrates 30 years since its establishment.
More than 400 Ghanaians gathered in Paju last Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of the Ghanaian Community in Korea (GHANASKO), joined by Korean friends and partners who have supported the community over the years. The Mayor of Paju also sent congratulatory wishes to the Ghanaian community.
In a statement shared on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Choi said the celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of Ghanaians living abroad and the responsibilities of representing their interests.
He recalled being moved by the sight of Madam Vida dancing Adowa, a traditional Ghanaian dance, while wiping tears from her eyes.
“It reminded me why I am here.”
The ambassador said the moment made him reflect on his first year in office and the work still required to improve opportunities for Ghanaian citizens.
When he assumed the position, Choi said he had set four priorities for his diplomatic mission, including strengthening relations between Ghana and South Korea, improving travel arrangements, creating employment opportunities and turning climate cooperation into investment.
On diplomatic relations, he said President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to South Korea had become a reality, with the engagement helping resolve and advance several important issues that had remained pending for more than a decade.
Choi also reported progress on travel arrangements, saying Ghana had secured a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and service passports. He described the development as a significant achievement involving an African country.
However, he said efforts were continuing to make travel easier for ordinary Ghanaian passport holders, with discussions involving South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, senior officials and immigration authorities.
Employment opportunities for Ghanaians in South Korea are another priority. Choi said Ghana was working with South Korean labour and justice ministries to explore practical pathways for Ghanaian workers to access jobs in the country.
He acknowledged that establishing these arrangements was not simple but said the discussions remained ongoing.
On climate cooperation, the ambassador said Ghana and South Korea had concluded a climate change agreement. Once ratification was completed in Ghana, the two countries would be able to pursue projects, investment and other economic opportunities arising from the partnership.
Choi said many of the commitments he had made at the beginning of his assignment had progressed towards implementation during his first year in office.
Beyond government relations, he said strengthening the Ghanaian diaspora in South Korea had also been a personal priority.
The embassy restored Ghana’s National Day celebration after almost eight years, creating an opportunity for Ghanaians living in South Korea to connect with President Mahama and members of the Korean public.
It also held its first Joint Worship and Thanksgiving Service, bringing members of the community together in faith and gratitude.
Another initiative was the revival of the Ambassador’s Town Hall Meeting, providing Ghanaians with a direct platform to engage with the embassy on issues affecting them.
Choi said GHANASKO’s 30th anniversary represented an opportunity to celebrate the community’s history, unity and growing place in South Korean society.
He said his ambitions extended beyond representing Ghana diplomatically to opening opportunities for Ghanaian citizens, businesses, students, workers and investors, while promoting the country’s culture and supporting future generations.
Reflecting on the anniversary celebration, Choi said Madam Vida’s emotional dance had reminded him that diplomacy was ultimately about people, their aspirations and the opportunities available to them.
“It is about making our people proud.
It is about creating opportunities.
And it is about leaving behind something stronger than what we inherited.”
Choi congratulated GHANASKO on its 30th anniversary, pledging to continue working to strengthen relations between Ghana and South Korea and create further opportunities for Ghanaians.
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