The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yofi Grant, is urging the about 3 million Ghanaians in the diaspora to come and invest in the country to aid the economic rebound, post covid-19.

Speaking at the Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit, Mr. Grant said “the time has come to invest more and grow in Ghana in order to help Ghana scale the economic plunder of the Covid 19 pandemic.”

“With success stories like Kofi Anku of Ayi Mensah Parks, Patrick Awuah of Ashesi University, and many more, the Diaspora community can be confident that we have built an enabling climate for your enterprises to succeed, and that we will continue to improve it”, he pointed out.

He urged investors to take advantage of other programmes such as one district, one factory, planting for food and jobs, special economic zones, and industrial parks, among others to expand their investment options.

“As the host of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement Secretariat, Ghana has been placed in the driver's seat to lead Africa's economic and financial renaissance, which means all hands-on deck for us, including all Africans in the diaspora. We look forward to more engagements with the diaspora community in future programs and I invite you all to be a part of Ghana's and Africa's success story”, he emphasized.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for her part said the establishment of the Diaspora Desk at all Ghana’s missions abroad is a testament to growing investments in Ghana, adding “ if one need some assistance he/she can walk to the desk in any of our missions abroad and receive the warmth and guidance Ghanaians are noted for.”

She added that discussions on the economic opportunities in Ghana have been championed by her ministry through the organisation of the Diasporan Dialogue in Africa, the EU, Middle East, Australia and the Americas, pointing out “the dialogue has allowed investors to connect with policy makers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of this country through worthy partnerships.”

Furthermore, she said “the theme of the maiden Diaspora Investment Summit speaks volumes, “The New Normal, Leveraging Diaspora Investments to Build Back Better”. It speaks clearly of a willingness and a commitment to build back better, better position Ghana than where it was before the pandemic, not only as a peace haven, a democratic society or a country of beautiful tourist attractions, but to be the preferred country on the continent for both Foreign and Diaspora Direct Investments from Ghanaians in the diaspora and all diasporas of African descent.”

“This does not mean we are looking at only big corporates or huge financial investments at a go, but every small business, entrepreneur and skill counts.  You will agree with me that in our developing economies, small businesses actually do make a lot of difference in the economic growth of any nation, so today, I charge all here to speak to our officers and see the numerous opportunities available to them”, she mentioned.

“I assure you that a vast array of fertile opportunity lies in our several government programs such as the one-district-one factory initiative, and host of ventures under the nation’s Ten-Point Industrialization drive”, she also said.

Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare also said in partnering the diaspora community (SDG 17), Ghana will be on the path of realising many of the targets set under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Beyond  the Return

Following the success of the “Year of Return” campaign, Ghana launched the “Beyond the Return”, a 10-year plan to encourage sustained dialogue with diasporas whiles attracting investments.

This campaign is expected to usher in “A Decade of African Renaissance” even in the face of the global pandemic.

As such, the government of Ghana is leveraging several support measures including the establishment of the Diaspora Investment Desk (DID) at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to successfully implement and achieve the 10-year initiative.

This will be greatly hinged on the varied ongoing business regulatory reforms including digitization of government processes; improved access to information; among others that are being implemented to improve on the investment climate in Ghana.