Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hannah Tetteh says government will intensify holding more regular e-Town Hall meetings with identified Ghanaian Associations abroad to manage cost of travels in doing so.

Madam Hannah Tetteh made the remark at a ceremony to receive a video conferencing suite donated to her Ministry by leading money transfer operator, MoneyGram.

The donation was in fulfillment of MoneyGram’s promise to support the Ministry’ efforts through its directorate of Diaspora Affairs at fostering meaningful communication and engagement with Ghanaians abroad.

She indicated the novel process, which is thought to be the first of its kind in Africa, will enable her Ministry fulfil its diaspora management mandate.  

“We also see this process as an optimization and cost-saving measure, and we thank MoneyGram for helping us align with the current financial prudence agenda prevalent in our economy. This equipment means we don’t have to incur travel expenses as often, as we continue to encourage our brothers and sisters to keep investing in the home economy,” she said.

On her part, MoneyGram’s Regional Manager in charge of Anglophone West Africa, Kemi Okusanya, said MoneyGram was delighted to partner the Ministry in reaching the Ghanaian Diaspora.

She said; “the provision of this suite and the e-Town Hall series we have initiated are in line with our policy across the globe to work with the relevant authorities and regulators to provide a fast, convenient and safe solution.”

Senior Marketing Manager in charge of Anglophone West Africa, Kofi Akyea in his remarks noted: “Ghanaians abroad, each year contribute in excess of a billion dollars as inflows to the Ghanaian economy”.

“Our interest is to position our brand as the preferred choice to achieve these inflows. In that sense the Ministry and MoneyGram have a common target and we are glad that we are able to structure an asset that adds value to the lives of the Ghanaian Diaspora".

MoneyGram is available in over 1,600 locations across Ghana, via partnerships with over 20 banks.