Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has wrapped up the two-day Diaspora Summit 2025 with a firm commitment to deepen Ghana’s engagement with its global diaspora, enhancing policy frameworks and creating clearer avenues for investment, collaboration and long-term partnership.
In her closing address in Accra on Saturday, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that the summit, held under the theme “Resetting Ghana: the diaspora as the 17th Region”, represented more than ceremonial rhetoric. She described it as a pivotal moment to position diasporans as active stakeholders in national development, recognising their remittances, skill transfers, advocacy and cultural contributions as vital to Ghana’s economic recovery and future growth.
“We are not just talking about connections across borders; we are building bridges for tangible investment, innovation, and shared prosperity,” the Vice-President said, stressing that the summit’s deliberations had underlined the complexity of reparatory justice and diaspora inclusion as political and economic imperatives rather than abstract moral goals.
At the core of the Vice-President’s message was a pledge to strengthen diaspora-friendly policies and expand clear, structured pathways for returnees and investors. Government plans include the establishment of a permanent Office for Reparations and Diaspora Affairs ; a dedicated body to coordinate efforts towards reparatory justice, fulfil Ghana’s role as the African Union’s lead on the issue, and institutionalise diaspora engagement in national policy.
Describing the diaspora as Ghana’s “17th region”, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said this designation signified formal political and economic inclusion, moving beyond symbolic gestures to concrete action. She highlighted priority programmes like Feed Ghana and the government’s 24-hour economy strategy as tangible entry points where diasporans can contribute through investment and partnership.
The summit also witnessed calls from stakeholders for stronger institutional support, citing existing structural barriers that have historically limited diaspora capital flows and participation. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that a nationwide electronic visa (e-visa) system would be rolled out in the first quarter of 2026 to make travel easier and more affordable for diasporans, with the aim of boosting investment, business collaborations and cultural ties.
Several participants described the summit as a watershed event that could redefine Ghana’s approach to diaspora engagement if the recommendations are fully implemented. Discussions ranged from reparations and historical justice to investment incentives and institutional reforms. Delegates from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond reaffirmed shared commitments to Pan-African unity and collective economic empowerment.
Despite the optimistic outcomes, the Vice-President acknowledged that the summit was only the beginning. “Real impact will be measured by follow-through by how swiftly policies are translated into opportunities that diasporans can access with confidence,” she said, urging ongoing dialogue and sustained collaboration between the government and the global diaspora community.
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
