Read also:
- COCOBOD Cheque Scandal Rocks Ghana: Akpaloo Faces Prosecution Over GH¢3.17m Fraud
- AG to prosecute Wontumi Farms, directors over GHS24m EXIM Bank fraud
- Africa Cup of Nations shift to 4-year cycle sparks debate over identity and prestige
- Being fair does not guarantee fair children — Dr. Kofi Ansah Brifo
- Emphasis on Practical Skills Key to Technical Education, Says Haruna Iddrisu
Els MBN360 News
Ghana has introduced the Sankofa Initiative, a global program aimed at deepening historical, cultural, and development ties with its diaspora community, officially recognizing them as the country’s 17th region. The initiative was unveiled at the 2025 Diaspora Summit in Accra, with the goal of fostering a stronger connection between Ghana and its citizens abroad.
The Sankofa Initiative involves establishing monuments in major diaspora hubs, including the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Caribbean, with the first monument scheduled to be unveiled in Toronto in August 2026. This project aims to create a global network of remembrance, reconciliation, and reconnection with Ghana.
Ghana’s diaspora population is estimated to be around 3 million, contributing significantly to the country’s economy through remittances, which totaled $6.65 billion in 2024. The government plans to implement policy reforms, including institutionalizing diaspora engagement, improving passport and consular services, and creating diaspora investment vehicles.
The initiative is part of Ghana’s broader efforts to engage its diaspora community, building on the success of the “Year of Return” initiative and the “Beyond the Return” program. The government aims to leverage the diaspora’s skills, technology, innovation, and influence to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
