President Mahama Urges Diaspora to Move Beyond Remittances to Investment in Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians living abroad to move beyond remittances and become long-term investors in Ghana’s economic transformation.
He made this call during his address to the Ghanaian community in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
He revealed that government is developing a secure investment framework to support diaspora participation.
President Mahama said while the country deeply valued the contributions of Ghanaians abroad, the next phase of diaspora engagement should focus on productive investment that creates wealth and supports national development.
He described the record US$7.8 billion in remittances sent home by the diaspora as a strong vote of confidence in Ghana, saying the collective contributions of Ghanaians abroad had become an important pillar of the national economy.
The President noted that although remittances continued to support families, education, healthcare and housing projects across the country, greater economic impact could be achieved if part of those resources were channelled into structured investments.
He disclosed that government was working on a framework that would allow members of the diaspora to invest safely in Ghana through dedicated investment portfolios, with guarantees aimed at protecting their contributions and generating returns.
“We’re working out the framework to look at where Ghanaians can put their money safely in an investment fund in Ghana and reap profits from it,” President Mahama said.
According to him, government will embark on investment roadshows to engage Ghanaian communities abroad once the framework is completed, providing detailed information on available investment opportunities and the sectors in which they can participate.
The President said the initiative formed part of a broader effort to deepen the diaspora’s contribution beyond financial support to relatives by positioning Ghanaians abroad as partners in national development.
He also advised Ghanaians considering permanent relocation to Ghana to do so gradually, encouraging them to first test the business and social environment before making a complete transition.
President Mahama said acquiring expertise abroad remained valuable to Ghana’s development, but careful planning and investment would make reintegration more sustainable for returning citizens.
He concluded by inviting the diaspora to return home for Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations next year, describing the milestone as an opportunity for Ghanaians everywhere to celebrate the country’s progress and contribute to its future.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
