The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister-designate says if he is given the chance to lead the ministry he will engage American music legend, Steve Wonder, to be an ambassador for the sector.

Dr Mohammed Awal told Parliament's Appointment Committee during his vetting Thursday that the multiple Grammy-winning singer who confirmed in an interview with Oprah that he will be relocating to Ghana will be in a good position to help draw in more Africans from the diaspora.

“We are encouraging them and their children to come and stay here permanently and make it their home. If given the nod by this august body Mr Chairman, we want to engage Steve Wonder to be an ambassador for us,” he said.

The former Business Development Minister said that the Ministry and Steve Wonder, should he accept the offer, will use the opportunity to convince Africans in the diaspora with expertise, skills, competence and money to not only relocate but also to invest in the country.

Dr Awal said these investments will help not only develop the sector and country as a whole but also create jobs for the citizenry.

He admitted that the ten-year 'Year of Return’ project has helped push this initiative, however, the Homeland Return Act can also help achieve this goal.

The nominee explained that section 17 of the act which states that “the Minister may on an application and with the approval of the President grant the status of right of abode to a person of African descent in the Diaspora” can help bring in more people who would relocate.

“The Homeland Return Act is another important initiative and under this we are encouraging Africans all over the diaspora to move because this is their home. Ghana is the home of Africans in the diaspora."

Mr Awal added that he will also foresee the building of a 20 million dollar national studio for film and music to help promote local content.

He stated that this project will ensure that all diasporans that come in the country are greeted with new content and local talents.

“When tourist come to this country, they spent about 50% of their money on entertainment. The modern movie and music studio will make Ghana the hub of creative arts in West Africa,” he said.