Ghana Called to Facilitate Repatriation of Diaspora Africans
Ghana has been encouraged to eliminate obstacles hindering the permanent return of Africans from the diaspora, alongside establishing robust support systems to assist them in settling, investing, and contributing to the nation’s growth.
Urgent Need for Effective Support Systems
Dr. Collins Rawlings Nyunyonyame, Acting Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, emphasized that the country’s appeal for individuals of African descent to return must be paired with readily accessible information, effective institutions, and opportunities for sustained residency.
Challenges in Citizenship Procedures
He pointed out that Ghana’s goal of facilitating effective repatriation cannot be realized if potential returnees are expected to navigate complex citizenship procedures and bureaucratic hurdles without adequate support.
Promoting a Welcoming Environment
Speaking at the inaugural Open D.O.O.R. Dialogues held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. Nyunyonyame, who represented the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, advocated for the creation of conditions that would actively encourage Africans abroad to return and establish their lives within Ghana.
Highlighting Individual Experiences
Dr. Nyunyonyame shared a recent instance involving a prospective returnee seeking assistance with obtaining Ghanaian citizenship due to his ancestral ties. Despite attempts to connect him with the appropriate government resources, the individual reported difficulties in accessing necessary information.
Need for Improved Coordination Among Institutions
“No one should have to rely on informal connections or navigate convoluted referral systems to comprehend the requirements for settling in Ghana,” Dr. Nyunyonyame stated. He called for enhanced collaboration between the Office of Diaspora Affairs, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other pertinent institutions to provide clear guidance on citizenship, residency, and investment processes.
Proposing a Comprehensive Platform
Additionally, he suggested the establishment of a structured diaspora opportunity platform to link prospective returnees with credible investment opportunities, housing information, business registration solutions, professional partnerships, and skills transfer programs.
Diaspora as Key Contributors to National Development
Dr. Nyunyonyame posited that the diaspora should be viewed not merely as a source of tourism revenue but as vital partners in national development. Returning professionals can impart specialized knowledge, mentor youth, and strengthen local institutions, while entrepreneurs can create businesses and job opportunities.
Shifting Focus on Repatriation
Chairman of the Open D.O.O.R. Dialogues Committee, Ɔbenfo Obádélé Bakari Kambon, indicated that this initiative signals a shift from the tourism-centric Year of Return to a broader Decade of Our Repatriation from 2026 to 2036. He stressed the necessity for practical arrangements regarding citizenship, land acquisition, housing, employment, and community integration for those returning to Ghana.
Government’s Commitment to Diaspora Engagement
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing diaspora engagement and developing practical pathways for returnees concerning reintegration, citizenship, and economic participation. He noted that the diaspora continues to be an essential asset for national development through investment, innovation, philanthropy, and advocacy.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
Stay Informed with the Latest News
Access the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers conveniently through TimesNewsPlus.
Discover more by following our WhatsApp Channel here.
Discussion about this post