Roger TD Wills has appealed to Africans living abroad to consider returning to Ghana and investing in the country, arguing that their financial resources, professional experience and business expertise could play an important role in accelerating economic development. Corrections Policy
The appeal highlights the growing conversation about how Ghana can strengthen its relationship with the African diaspora and turn that connection into meaningful economic opportunities.
Beyond returning for holidays, cultural experiences or family visits, members of the diaspora are being encouraged to establish businesses, support local enterprises and participate directly in the country’s development.
For Ghana, attracting diaspora investment could provide an additional source of capital for businesses, create employment opportunities and support the growth of important sectors.
However, the success of such an initiative will depend on whether potential investors can identify reliable opportunities and operate within a transparent and predictable business environment.
Wills’ appeal also reflects a wider argument that Africans abroad should be viewed not only as contributors through remittances but as potential partners in building stronger economies across the continent.
Diaspora investment as an economic opportunity
Ghana has long benefited from money sent home by citizens living abroad.
These transfers support families, pay school fees, finance healthcare and contribute to household spending. Editorial Ethics & Independence
However, policymakers and financial institutions increasingly want a greater proportion of these funds directed towards productive investments.
A report, highlighted the Bank of Ghana’s Remit2Invest initiative, which seeks to encourage Ghanaians abroad to channel more of their remittances into businesses and long-term investment opportunities.
Speaking at the Central Bank Bridge Remit2Invest forum in Virginia, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama described members of the diaspora as important economic partners whose contributions could extend beyond traditional money transfers.
According to the report, remittance inflows increased from approximately US$4.6 billion in 2024 to nearly US$7.8 billion in 2025.
The Governor argued that these resources could support sectors such as small and medium-sized enterprises, financial technology, real estate and infrastructure.
The initiative demonstrates the potential economic value of encouraging Africans abroad to invest directly in Ghana rather than limiting their financial involvement to supporting relatives.
Creating opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs
Wills’ appeal also connects with the broader discussion about empowering Ghanaians to build successful businesses and generate wealth locally.
In a report published quoted Wills, a member of the National Democratic Congress communications team, calling for deliberate efforts to equip Ghanaians, particularly young people, to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners.
He argued that the country needed to create more opportunities for young people through investment in businesses, factories and productive industries.
His comments reflect the importance of ensuring that economic development translates into employment and improved livelihoods for ordinary Ghanaians. Editorial Standards
Encouraging diaspora investment could complement this objective if returning investors partner with local entrepreneurs, employ Ghanaian workers and transfer valuable skills and technology.
Rather than operating separately from the domestic business community, diaspora investors could establish partnerships that allow local businesses to benefit from international experience, professional networks and access to overseas markets.
Sectors with potential for diaspora investment
Ghana offers opportunities across several industries that could attract investors interested in contributing to the country’s economic transformation.
Agriculture and agro-processing remain important areas, particularly in food production, storage, packaging and value addition.
Investment in these sectors could strengthen local supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses and create employment in rural communities.
Manufacturing also presents opportunities for investors willing to support local production and reduce dependence on imported finished goods.
Other potential areas include tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, education and real estate. Newscard
Reports on Ghana’s investor engagement efforts in New York on March 30, 2026, identified finance, fintech, agribusiness, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, tourism and the creative economy as sectors of interest to international investors and members of the diaspora.
The discussions also highlighted concerns about policy consistency, regulatory predictability and the availability of bankable investment projects.
These issues demonstrate that attracting investment requires more than encouraging people to return; investors must also have confidence in the opportunities presented to them.
Building trust and protecting investors
One of the major considerations for Africans abroad contemplating investment in Ghana is confidence in the business environment.
Potential investors need access to accurate information, transparent registration processes, reliable legal protection and effective mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes.
Clear land ownership arrangements, particularly for real estate and agricultural projects, are equally important.
Financial institutions also have a role to play by developing investment products that meet the needs of people living outside Ghana.
In a report, revealed that the Bank of Ghana had urged commercial banks to introduce dedicated products for diaspora investors, noting that existing options remained limited.
Such measures could make it easier for Ghanaians abroad to save, invest and monitor their financial commitments without necessarily being physically present in the country.
Turning the call into lasting economic progress
The appeal by Roger TD Wills comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen Ghana’s economic relationship with Africans abroad.
For the country to benefit fully, diaspora engagement must move beyond speeches and occasional investment forums.
It requires practical programmes that connect investors with credible projects, local business partners and institutions capable of supporting their investments. Privacy Policy & Terms
Returning Africans should also be encouraged to share their professional knowledge, mentor young entrepreneurs and contribute to skills development.
Ultimately, the value of diaspora investment should be measured not simply by the amount of money brought into Ghana but by the businesses established, jobs created, skills transferred and communities supported.
Wills’ message presents an opportunity to reconsider the role Africans abroad can play in shaping the continent’s future.
If supported by effective policies, trustworthy institutions and genuine partnerships with local businesses, their involvement could become an important contributor to Ghana’s long-term economic development.