Accra: Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has called upon the Ewe diaspora to transition from merely celebrating cultural heritage and sending remittances to harnessing their global network as a driving force for investment and economic progress in Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin made these remarks while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the 33rd anniversary celebration of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) held in Washington, D.C. He emphasized that the diaspora has a unique chance to convert its robust social capital into sustainable development initiatives. In a statement shared by Mr David Sebastian Damoah, Director of Media Relations for the Parliamentary Service, Speaker Bagbin highlighted that culture should not only unite people in celebration but also in development efforts.
The statement praised CEANA, which was founded in 1993, for its three decades of contributions to Ghana's development, including providing scholarships and supporting the construction of schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. However, it also urged the association to leverage its extensive network to forge connections between traditional leaders and local stakeholders with international investors, universities, technology firms, and development partners in critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and enterprise development.
The call was echoed by Mr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, a Member of the Council of State representing the Volta Region, who emphasized that the region's potential could only be fully realized through unity among traditional, political, and community leaders. He noted that young people need not only assurances of potential but also access to jobs, mentorship, markets, and technology.
Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who also addressed the gathering, stated that Ghana's recent economic stabilization provides a solid foundation for diaspora investment. He stressed that stability should be viewed as a foundation rather than a destination, encouraging Ghanaians abroad to transform remittances, which are projected to reach US$7.8 billion by 2025, into long-term productive capital.
Dr. Asiama highlighted key mechanisms for channeling diaspora funds into businesses, agriculture, and technology, including the formalization of International Money Transfer Operators, the Remit2Invest strategy, and the establishment of the Diaspora Engagement and Remittance Facilitation Office.
The anniversary celebration was attended by notable dignitaries, including Mr Victor Smith, Ghana's former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Mr Ben Dotsei Malor, Ghana's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations; and several Members of Parliament.