Oppong-Fosu rallies diaspora to help build a more prosperous Ghana

Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) Board Chairman Akwasi Opong-Fosu has rallied the Ghanaian diaspora to help build a more prosperous Ghana through investment and innovation.

Speaking at the 37th Annual GhanaFest in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Opong-Fosu said the country’s future depended on harnessing the expertise, knowledge and experience of Ghanaians living abroad rather than relying solely on remittances.

“Across this great city and throughout the United States are thousands of exceptionally talented Ghanaians… Your expertise is one of Ghana’s greatest national assets. The future of Ghana will not be transformed by remittances alone. It will be transformed when knowledge, innovation, investment and experience flow back into our country,” he said.

Addressing the gathering under the theme “Connecting Communities through Culture and Commerce,” the GIPA Board Chairman encouraged members of the diaspora to contribute to Ghana’s development through direct investment, technology transfer, mentoring young entrepreneurs, policy engagement and strategic partnerships.

He said the country’s development agenda required more than financial inflows, stressing that the skills and professional experience of Ghanaians abroad could help strengthen institutions, create quality jobs and drive innovation.

“As Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, I can assure you that Ghana remains open for responsible investment and productive partnerships. Our objective is not merely to attract capital. It is to attract innovation, create quality jobs, strengthen institutions and build an economy that delivers opportunities for future generations,” he stated.

Mr. Opong-Fosu also called for a shift in how the country views migration, urging Ghanaians to embrace the concept of “Brain Gain” instead of focusing on brain drain.

“For decades we have spoken about brain drain. Today, I prefer to speak about Brain Gain,” he said.

He added that preserving Ghana’s culture while expanding commercial opportunities would strengthen communities both at home and abroad, urging the diaspora to keep their talents, investments and commitment firmly connected to their homeland.

His comments come at a crucial point in his political career where he has expressed interest in seeking National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).