In Government’s quest to woo investors from the diaspora into the country, it has introduced the Homeland Return Act to harness the human and material resources of the diaspora for socio-economic transformation of the economy. This will boost participation between domestic and diaspora investors.
The Homeland Act will define the protocols of engagement with the diaspora. Government is putting together Diaspora policies which will enumerate the ways in which the engagement will be conducted formally.
Speaking at the ongoing Maiden Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit in Accra, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, GIPC, Yofi Grant said the Act would give legal backing to citizenship granted people in the diaspora and encourage more to relocate and invest in the country.
He said GIPC is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to validate and finalize the diaspora policy which has already been submitted to cabinet and waiting for parliamentary approval.
He added that “The Homeland Act is currently with Cabinet and awaiting parliamentary approval.”
Chief of Staff, Mrs. Frema Osei-Opare commended GIPC for bringing to reality Government’s Diaspora Investment agenda.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the GIPC and its key partners for engaging the diaspora community proactively as Government proceeds to build a more resilient economy following COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering the diaspora community (SDG 17), Ghana will be on the path of realizing many of the targets set under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. To the diaspora community and foreign investors present today, I encourage you to fully participate in this summit and take advantage of the many investment opportunities Ghana has to offer.” She intimated.
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 organization of the Diaspora Dialogue in Africa, the EU, Middle East, Australia and the Americas, pointing out “the dialogue has allowed investors to connect with policymakers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of this country through worthy partnerships.”
The Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit is being held under the auspices of the Office of the President and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ministry of Information, the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, Diaspora Africa Forum, and Beyond the Return Secretariat under the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Story By: Mabel Adorkor Annang