President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s ties with its diaspora, declaring that the country is “reclaiming everything that was ours” as part of a renewed national vision focused on unity, development, and shared prosperity.
Speaking at a Diaspora Summit attended by Ghanaians from across Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean, under the theme “Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region”, President Mahama emphasised the critical role the diaspora plays in Ghana’s economic growth, cultural influence, and global standing.
He described the diaspora not as distant observers, but as an integral part of Ghana’s national story.
“By finding and owning the stories of our past, the ones that have been suppressed, we are able to 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,” he said.
The President highlighted remittances, skills transfer, and investment as key areas where diaspora engagement continues to make a tangible impact.
He noted that beyond financial contributions, Ghanaians abroad bring valuable expertise, innovation, and international networks that can accelerate national development.
According to Mahama, the summit was not merely ceremonial but a platform to listen, collaborate, and co-create solutions that address challenges in areas such as youth unemployment, industrialisation, digital transformation, and governance.
President Mahama’s remarks framed “reclaiming” as both a symbolic and practical process—restoring confidence in public institutions, protecting national resources, and ensuring that economic growth benefits ordinary citizens.
He stressed that inclusive governance and accountability would be key pillars of this effort.
He also reiterated support for initiatives that encourage diaspora return, entrepreneurship, and long-term investment, noting that national development is strongest when citizens at home and abroad work together.
“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,” Mahama stated.
The Diaspora Summit is expected to feed into broader national strategies aimed at deepening global Ghanaian engagement and driving inclusive economic growth.
