In a significant step toward deepening diaspora engagement in national development, the Ghanaian community in Zurich convened for its maiden dialogue series, an initiative that underscored the evolving role of the diaspora beyond remittances to strategic partnerships.
The programme, held under the leadership of Ambassador Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah, brought together members of the Ghanaian diaspora, stakeholders, and policymakers in an open forum dedicated to discussing issues of national interest.
Gracing the occasion as Special Guest of Honour was the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon James Gyakye Quayson.
The dialogue created a platform for meaningful engagement, with participants contributing diverse perspectives on how the diaspora can play a more structured and impactful role in Ghana’s development agenda.
Central to the discussions was the need to transition from a remittance-focused narrative to one that emphasizes knowledge transfer, investment, innovation, and policy collaboration.
Key issues raised during the session reflected both longstanding concerns and forward-looking opportunities.
Among them were challenges related to vehicular importation and registration duties, which continue to affect many Ghanaians abroad seeking to contribute assets back home. Participants called for reforms that would make such processes more transparent and economically viable.
Another critical area of focus was cocoa processing. The community highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies to enhance efficiency, accelerate mass production, and position Ghana as a leader not just in raw cocoa exports but in value-added production.
Innovation, participants emphasized, must remain at the core of Ghana’s industrial transformation.
The conversation also touched on the re-establishment of Ghana’s national airline. Members of the diaspora stressed the economic and strategic importance of direct flight connectivity, noting that a national carrier could significantly boost trade, tourism, and bilateral relations, particularly with countries like Switzerland.
Governance and service delivery were equally prominent in the discussions. Concerns were raised about access to passports and other essential national documents, with calls for more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered systems.
The need for effective leadership that prioritizes the welfare and convenience of Ghanaians both at home and abroad was strongly emphasized.
In his address, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon James Gyakye Quayson, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the diaspora.
He firmly dispelled the long-held perception that political leaders only engage Ghanaians abroad during election periods, emphasizing that the diaspora remains a critical partner in national development at all times not just when power is being sought.
He further assured participants of the government’s continuous support in addressing their concerns and creating enabling policies that harness their expertise, investments, and global networks for the benefit of Ghana.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah reaffirmed her commitment to fostering inclusive governance by ensuring that the voices of the diaspora are heard and integrated into national policymaking.
She assured the community that this maiden dialogue would not be a one-off event but the beginning of a sustained series of engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration and trust.
The maiden diaspora dialogue series marks a pivotal moment in redefining the relationship between Ghana and its global citizens.
By creating space for open dialogue and actionable ideas, the Ghanaian community in Switzerland is setting a compelling example of how diaspora engagement can evolve into a powerful force for national development.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com