Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea, Kojo Choi, ushered in the New Year with a hearty serving of banku, shared with his family in Seoul.

In a series of colourful photographs posted on his Facebook page, the ambassador was seen seated with his nuclear family and members of his extended family, enjoying the popular Ghanaian staple meal.

“Happy New Year from Seoul,” he captioned the post.

He explained that the choice of meal was made at the request of his children, describing banku as one of their favourite dishes.

“We welcomed the New Year in Seoul with banku once again by popular request from the children,” he wrote.

Ambassador Choi noted that the family’s love for banku goes beyond taste, describing it as a meaningful expression of identity and patriotism. Served with okro stew, he said the meal made them feel as though they were back home in Ghana, despite the physical distance.

“Food has a way of carrying memory, identity, and home across borders. Even thousands of kilometres away, Ghana remains right here at our table,” he reflected.

He concluded with a celebratory “Banku to the world,” noting that the post formed part of his ongoing “Ghana to the World” series, which highlights Ghana’s unique culture and traditions.

“New year. Same roots. Same love,” he added, inviting followers to share what they ate to welcome the New Year.

The ambassador’s New Year message struck a chord with many Ghanaians online, highlighting how food continues to serve as a powerful link to culture and national identity, even for those living far from home.

| On Christmas Day, the Choi family shared a Ghanaian meal from the north called waakye, made with rice, beans, gari, spaghetti, etc