The Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency has announced plans to discuss and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a group named “Back to your roots” to streamline impactful projects by Ghanaians living abroad or those with Ghanaian roots.
This follows calls from foreign individuals of Ghanaian descent urging the Office of Diaspora Affairs to implement measures facilitating their involvement in impactful projects in Ghana.
Speaking to Channel One News after engaging with the diaspora team, on July 24, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency, assured that the office will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure individuals of Ghanaian descent living abroad have straightforward access to undertake projects in Ghana.
He commended the European Union (EU) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) for their collaborative efforts with international partners, describing the initiative as a significant step towards ensuring Ghanaians in Europe feel connected and contribute effectively to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
“The remittances from these individuals play a vital role in our growth,” KOD noted.
“We cannot focus on one part of the world and neglect others. Our mandate includes replicating such initiatives to ensure they are sustainable and not merely a one-off.”
KOD also highlighted the importance of engaging second- and third-generation Ghanaians in the diaspora to maintain their interest in Ghana.
“We are keen to work with young people and organisations like Forum to move things forward,” he added, expressing enthusiasm for the MoU and its potential to foster long-term collaboration.
Meanwhile, project manager for the Roots to Ghana programme, Milli Antwi, emphasised the emotional and practical significance of the initiative.
“It’s important because we are the children of Ghana,” Antwi said. “Many of us were born in Europe, grew up in Europe, and were educated there, but we want to reconnect with our motherland. We love Ghana, even if our knowledge of it is limited.
“Our parents taught us languages like Twi, which we speak with our accents. Now, with our education and financial stability, we want to give back by investing in properties, creating businesses, and joining companies to help them grow with our expertise.”
Antwi added that the partnership will foster impactful projects in Ghana, further strengthening ties with the diaspora.
“This initiative, supported by the EU and GIZ, will significantly contribute to our socio-economic growth,” she concluded.
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