President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening Ghana’s relationship with its diaspora, describing the effort as part of a renewed national vision centred on unity, development, and shared prosperity.
Addressing a Diaspora Summit attended by Ghanaians from Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean, held under the theme “Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region, President Mahama underscored the diaspora’s vital role in Ghana’s economic growth, cultural influence, and global relevance. He stressed that Ghanaians abroad are not distant spectators but an essential part of the nation’s story.
“By finding and owning the stories of our past, the ones that have been suppressed, we can truly know ourselves,” he said. “With that knowledge of self comes the power to write ourselves truthfully and respectfully into not only our future, but the future of all humanity.”
The President highlighted remittances, skills transfer, and investment as key areas where diaspora engagement continues to yield tangible benefits. He noted that beyond financial contributions, Ghanaians living abroad bring expertise, innovation, and global networks capable of accelerating national development.
Mahama said the summit was designed as a practical platform for dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation, aimed at addressing pressing national challenges such as youth unemployment, industrialisation, digital transformation, and governance.
He framed the idea of “reclaiming” as both symbolic and practical—restoring trust in public institutions, safeguarding national resources, and ensuring that economic growth translates into real benefits for ordinary citizens. Inclusive governance and accountability, he said, would be central to this process.
Reiterating support for policies that promote diaspora return, entrepreneurship, and long-term investment, Mahama stressed that Ghana’s development agenda is strongest when citizens at home and abroad work in partnership.
“That is why we are gathered here today at this diaspora summit, to begin the process of reclamation in earnest, to begin the process of writing our own story and moving full steam ahead,” he stated. “We are reclaiming everything that was ours.”
Outcomes from the Diaspora Summit are expected to inform broader national strategies aimed at strengthening global Ghanaian engagement and driving inclusive economic growth.
