Photos by courtesy: Sankofaonline.com
Washington D.C – The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingford Bagbin has challenged the Ghanaian Ewe-speaking community living in the diaspora to use their extensive cultural and social networks in a manner that serves as a bridge for investment, economic development and improved livelihoods back home even as they make efforts to promote unity and preserve their heritage in their countries of residence. The Speaker made those remarks as a special guest of honour during celebrations to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) in Washington DC of the United States of America.
He recognised the contribution of Ewe-speaking Ghanaians through their regular remittances to relatives back home for upkeep and other developmental projects however urged them to go beyond sending remittances and strive to create businesses while building sustainable wealth in Ghana. He said, “You have shown that culture should not only bring people together to celebrate. It can also bring people together to develop”.
This year’s event brought together prominent personalities, including Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, H.E. Victor Smith, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations, H.E. Ben Dotsei Malor, Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Dzifa Gunu, and Members of Parliament among others. Speaking at the celebration, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, touted the country’s progress in achieving macroeconomic stability over the past few months as an opportunity for diaspora investment that has been enabled by a strong foundation built during the period. According to him, stability is not destination, it is the foundation as the central bank continues implementation of measures that ensures the economy emerges stronger.
Dr. Asiama reiterated Speaker Bagbin’s call urging Ghanaians abroad to help convert remittances into long-term capital for business, agriculture, and technological development. In the year 2025, Ghana recorded positive growth in remittances by US$7.8 billion as a result of measures introduced by the BOG including formalisation of International Money Transfer Operators, the Remit2Invest strategy, and the Diaspora Engagement and Remittance Facilitation Office as mechanisms to support structured diaspora investment and to channel remittances towards long-term wealth creation.
A Member of the Council of State representing Volta Region, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, on his part called for greater unity among traditional, political and community leaders underscoring the need for collective action in achieving Volta Region’s development potential. Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin commended CEANA for its contributions especially in the areas of education, healthcare and community development across Ghana. He noted the association has given scholarships to brilliant students from economically disadvantaged households and supported school construction projects, and libraries among other facilities that have benefitted underprivileged communities in the country.