Ghanaians living abroad have been urged to take advantage of the opportunities in the economy by investing in it and establishing businesses as well.
According to the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yofi Grant, the positive macroeconomic indicators in the country such as a drop in inflation over the years, a drop in the interest rates of banks and a growing GDP are signals that the economy is favorable for investments.
Speaking at a GIPC Investment Forum on the theme “Positioning Ghana as an investment hub, opportunities for the diaspora”, Mr. Grant told Ghanaians in the diaspora not to be left out of the many business opportunities in the country.
“A solid foundation is being laid; the important thing is that the foundation will be laid and on top of that foundation, you can build. It’s important to make sure that the macroeconomic stability is assured and then the growth parameters are assured. So, our country is doing something right, make no mistake. Ghana is a resource-rich country that is going somewhere.”
On his part, CEO of the Private Enterprise Federation, Nana Osei Bonsu said he believes Ghanaians in the diaspora can best support the economy by partnering local businesses and helping them grow through technology transfer.
“I see all the opportunities and the keyword is partnership. We are at the infancy level and we need hand-holding, we need to be given the transfer of technology. We need you from the diaspora who have acquired some technical know-how and the resources.”
He added, “Come in and tell us what you want to do and business associations like GIPC and PEF will be there to help.”
About half-of-a-million tourists, comprising Africans in the diaspora are expected to visit Ghana to join in the celebration of the ‘Year of Return’, this year.
The event will mark 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the United States. Government and other key business players are however hopeful that with the relevant measures put in place Ghanaians in the diaspora will play a contributing role to the growth of the country’s economy.