The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has reassured members of the diaspora of the government’s commitment to safeguard their businesses and investments in Ghana.
She stressed that their investments were not only secure because Ghana was their home, but also because the government was building a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, contributing to nation-building and cultural exchange.
Ms Bampoe Addo was speaking at the media launch of the Diaspora Summit, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency and the Ghana Tourism Authority, in Accra on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The Summit is scheduled for December 19 and 20 in Accra as part of the Christmas Experience, under the theme “Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region”. It seeks to deepen economic and strategic partnerships between Ghana and its global diaspora. The launch drew members of the diaspora, media professionals and creatives.
Ms Bampoe Addo noted that all stakeholders were determined to ensure the Summit became a defining moment for investment, one that moved beyond dialogue to deliver tangible impact in areas such as innovation, education and enterprise.
She added that the “Reset Agenda” under President John Dramani Mahama was focused on building a country that fosters private sector growth and an accountable public sector, with the diaspora central to this mission.
“The launch of the Diaspora Summit marks the nation’s enduring commitment to building bridges of opportunity, partnership and shared destiny between Ghana and her cherished diaspora community across the globe,” she said. “This Summit stands as a testament to Ghana’s vision of transforming our collective strength into a force for progress. Our brothers and sisters abroad continue to play a vital role in shaping the image of our nation, investing in our economy, and contributing to the transfer of knowledge, skills and networks.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that a visa waiver would be granted to all attendees of the 2025 Diaspora Summit. He explained that the decision was to make the summit more accessible and to reinforce Ghana’s commitment to reuniting with its diaspora.
The Minister also presented diplomatic passports to five high-profile Ghanaians for their role in promoting the country globally. They included travel vlogger Wode Maya, entrepreneur Lady Dentaa Amoateng, Grammy-nominated musician Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, and visual artist Ibrahim Mahama.
Mr Ablakwa further underscored the government’s commitment to advancing the call for reparations, with a special conference on reparations planned as part of the Summit. “The call for reparation and the 10-year plan adopted by the African Union to be led by President Mahama does not only mean justice for colonialism and neo-colonialism but also a call for fair treatment,” he said.
For his part, the Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency, Kofi Okyere Darko, said the Summit would reposition the diaspora “from being seen only as senders of remittances to being recognised as full partners in our national transformation.”
He noted that in 2024, remittances exceeded US$6.4 billion, about 6 per cent of GDP, and that Ghana was on course to surpass US$6.8 billion in 2025. “But the true value of the diaspora lies beyond finance—in the expertise of professionals, the innovation of entrepreneurs, and advocacy that connects Ghana to the world stage, spotlighting Ghana as a hub of innovation,” he added.