Vice President Engages Ghanaians in the Diaspora, Calls for Unity, Investment and Collective Effort to Build a Better Ghana

Ghana’s Vice President, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called on Ghanaians in the diaspora to deepen their engagement with Ghana and contribute actively to the country’s economic transformation.

The Vice President made the call during an exclusive engagement with Ghanaians in the diaspora at the residence of Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, on Thursday.

The special programme, held under the theme “Ghanaians Meet the Vice President,” brought together members of the Ghanaian community in the United States for an open and wide-ranging interaction with the Vice President on Ghana’s development agenda, the role of the diaspora, economic opportunities and the collective responsibility of Ghanaians to build a better country.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian delegates for their continued support of the country and for their efforts to project Ghana positively around the world. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by Ghanaians living abroad, noting that life in the diaspora should not be viewed as a perpetual holiday.

 “They have not chosen to live away from home, and don’t think that where they live now is a perpetual vacation site. It’s a lot of sacrifice on their part too.”

She therefore urged Ghanaians at home to appreciate the contributions of their relatives and friends abroad.

“So whatever they give us, we must appreciate and take good care of it.”  “We appreciate you, Ghanaians who live abroad, as one of the biggest drivers of our economy.”

A major focus of the Vice President’s address was the need for Ghana to move away from the export of raw materials and embrace value addition and industrialisation.

She urged Ghanaians in the diaspora to take advantage of opportunities emerging in Ghana and to play a more active role in building industries that process the country’s natural resources. “We are putting a halt to this whole strategy of exporting raw materials. Enough. We must add value.”

Using cocoa as an example, Professor Opoku-Agyemang explained that value addition did not necessarily have to begin with the establishment of massive factories. She encouraged individuals and groups to explore smaller-scale opportunities in processing and manufacturing. She said the assurance of a market for locally processed products could give entrepreneurs the confidence to invest. Stating, “So that whether it’s big or small, we must support everyone.”

The Vice President also challenged members of the Ghanaian diaspora to explore collective investment models.  “How about forming consortia? How about the Ghanaian diaspora in North America floating shares and running it like a business? Is it feasible? I leave that thought to you.” She stressed that attracting investors to Ghana must include Ghanaians themselves.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also called for unity and a shared national purpose, urging Ghanaians to set aside partisan considerations in the collective effort to advance the country.

 “We all need good roads. Good drinking water. Land that is not poisoned. We want education that counts. Healthcare that takes good care of us. We want to live in safe environments.”  “These have nothing to do with whether we go to church or we don’t. So, there’s a need for all of us to come together to build the Ghana we want.”

The Vice President said achieving Ghana’s aspirations would require sacrifice, focus, courage and determination. She called on all Ghanaians to contribute to the country’s forward march. The Veep further emphasised the importance of discipline and prudent management of national resources, noting that Ghana must learn from past experiences and avoid repeating the mistakes that led to previous economic difficulties.

“This calls for discipline in everything we do. It calls for holding all of us to account. It calls for all of us putting the country first.”  “It calls for all of us to cut our cloth according to what we have.” She acknowledged the enormous needs confronting the country but appealed for patience as government works to address them.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of planning and preparing for future challenges, urging Ghanaians to avoid short-term thinking and unnecessary expenditure. “You must always plan for the rainy day.”

She said the country’s development required long-term planning and collective responsibility. She concluded by reaffirming the importance of collective action in shaping the Ghana that citizens desire.

 “Brick by brick, city by city, we are building the Ghana we want. And we are inviting all of you to come on board.”

Mrs Ethel Cudjoe Amissah

Washington, DC