A new initiative aimed at harnessing the expertise, investments and influence of Ghanaians living abroad for national development has been launched in Washington, D.C., under the theme, “Harnessing the Power of the Diaspora to Transform Ghana’s Future.”
Known as Region 17, the initiative seeks to provide an institutional framework for recognising the Ghanaian diaspora as an integral part of the country’s development agenda while creating a structured platform through which Ghanaians abroad can contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.
The launch, held on Pennsylvania Avenue, brought together members of the Ghanaian diaspora, business leaders, professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders committed to strengthening the diaspora’s role in national development.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, HE Victor Emmanuel Smith, attended the event as the Special Guest Speaker, where he underscored the importance of closer collaboration between Ghana and its citizens abroad in advancing the country’s development objectives.
Also in attendance was the Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, who called for a renewed approach to mobilising and deploying diaspora resources to support Ghana’s development priorities.
He stressed that Africa, and Ghana in particular, must adopt innovative strategies to harness the intellectual, professional, entrepreneurial, financial and cultural capital of its citizens living abroad to accelerate economic growth and national transformation.
The Region 17 initiative is expected to strengthen engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora by providing a coordinated platform for participation in the country’s socio-economic development while fostering stronger partnerships between Ghanaians at home and abroad.
