An overwhelming majority of British with Ghanaian origin say they would consider relocating to Ghana, a study has revealed.

The study found that almost half of the respondents say the dominant form of engagement among second-generation British-Ghanaians is sending social remittances, which are defined as the knowledge, ideas and social capital ‘sent’ to migrants home countries.

Education, health and entrepreneurship were considered high priority in this regard. Language fluency and a strong sense of cultural identity were the strongest predictors of social remittance sending.

This study was carried out by an NGO, the Future of Ghana and findings published on March, 21. It explores the financial and social remittance practices of second-generation British-Ghanaians and the factors that influence their motivations to engage with Ghana in these ways.

The study employed a mixed methods design and consisted of an online survey, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews for data collection. For each stage of the study, there were 493, 25 and 8 participants respectively.

Speaking at the launch of the report last Wednesday, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and Republic of Ireland, Papa Owusu-Ankomah remarked that has never been so positive about the future of the continent and especially Ghana, giving the young human resource which abounds in every sector of the economy.

Addressing a large crowd of second-generation British-Ghanaian youth at the Regent’s University Campus in London Papa Owusu-Ankomah Papa Owusu-Ankomah reiterated the call that this is Africa’s Century.

High Commissioner addressing the youth

The High Commissioner, who delivered the keynote address, indicated that, since assuming office, his main priorities have been to increase the level of trade and investment between Ghana and United Kingdom and deepen engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora Community.

The event attracted more than 300 participants drawn from mainly second-generation British-Ghanaian youth. According to the High Commissioner, the event has offered him the opportunity to interact with the second Generation British Ghanaians for the first time.

He commended the excellent work done by the Future of Ghana Group, its chair, Arnold Sarfo Katanka and his team, and pointed out that the research will complement the recent work on Diasporan Remittances undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat for the Heads of Government at the next CHOGM Meeting in London in a few weeks’ time.

Touching on the recent call by President Akufo-Addo on moving Ghana Beyond Aid, the High Commissioner indicated that one of the cardinal things involved is to mobilise human resource and channel these resources into the productive sector of the economy.

Participants at the event

He stated that it also involves diasporans redirecting remittances into investment capital, and welcomed the findings of the research.

Commenting on the findings of the research, the High Commissioner stated that the establishment of the Diaspora Desk at the Presidency and other targeted diaspora programmes are some of the critical initiatives being pursued by the Government to ensure positive engagement by the diaspora community in the national development discourse.

The Chancellor of Regents University London, Lord Dr Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick, CBE, commended the organisers and pointed out that the story of Ghana like any other African country, can be likened to the epic movie ‘Black Panther’ with the skills from ‘Wakanda’.

Lord Dr. Michael Hastings, Chancellor of Regent University addressing the youth

Dr. Hastings in his remarks referred to 10 skills that are presently critical and relevant for the youth including, among others, complex problem-solving ability, critical thinking, creativity, people management, emotional intelligence, negotiation and service making.