By Dr. Vicki L. Otaruyina
Market Expansion Expert at Ruyina Global, Barbados
Ghana’s Year of Return in 2019 was a monumental initiative that resonated across the globe, especially within the African diaspora. Marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were forcibly taken to the Americas, the Year of Return was a powerful call for people of African descent to reconnect with their roots, return to the motherland, and explore the rich cultural heritage of Ghana. The initiative brought unprecedented attention to Ghana, attracting tourists, investors, and influencers from around the world. But now that the Year of Return has concluded, the question remains: what happens next?
Building on the Momentum
Recognizing the need to sustain the momentum generated by the Year of Return, the Ghanaian government launched the “Beyond the Return” initiative. This initiative is designed to be a decade-long program that focuses on creating opportunities for the African diaspora to invest in and contribute to the development of Ghana. Beyond the Return is centered on seven pillars:
Experience Ghana: Encouraging continuous tourism by promoting Ghana as a top destination for heritage, culture, and adventure.
Invest in Ghana: Attracting investments from the diaspora to various sectors of the economy, including real estate, agriculture, technology, and the creative arts.
Diaspora Pathway to Ghana: Facilitating the process for members of the diaspora to obtain citizenship, residence, and the right to work in Ghana.
Celebrate Ghana: Promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage through festivals, events, and the arts.
Brand Ghana: Enhancing Ghana’s image globally as a welcoming, peaceful, and thriving nation.
Give Back to Ghana: Encouraging philanthropic activities and volunteerism from the diaspora to support local communities and development projects.
Promote Pan-African Heritage and Innovation: Fostering a sense of unity among African nations and the diaspora, and promoting innovation and collaboration.
These pillars provide a comprehensive roadmap for Ghana to engage the diaspora in meaningful ways, ensuring that the relationships built during the Year of Return are deepened and expanded over the coming years.
Opportunities for Economic Growth and Investment
One of the most significant aspects of the Beyond the Return initiative is its focus on investment. The Year of Return highlighted the strong emotional and cultural connections between Ghana and the diaspora, but the next phase is about translating that connection into economic growth and sustainable development.
Real Estate:
The real estate sector in Ghana has seen a surge in interest from the diaspora, particularly in areas like Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi. There is a growing demand for residential properties, vacation homes, and commercial real estate. The Ghanaian government is actively encouraging diaspora investment in real estate, offering incentives such as tax breaks and simplified property acquisition processes.
Agriculture:
Ghana’s agriculture sector presents vast opportunities for investment, particularly in areas such as cocoa production, horticulture, and agro-processing. The government is promoting agricultural investments that can create jobs, improve food security, and boost exports. Members of the diaspora with expertise in agriculture or access to capital are encouraged to explore these opportunities.
Technology and Innovation:
Ghana’s burgeoning tech scene is another area ripe for investment. The country has become a hub for tech startups, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and mobile technology. The Beyond the Return initiative aims to attract diaspora talent and investment to support the growth of this sector, which has the potential to transform the Ghanaian economy.
Creative Arts:
The Year of Return showcased the vibrancy of Ghana’s creative arts, from music and dance to fashion and film. Beyond the Return seeks to build on this by positioning Ghana as a cultural capital that attracts artists, entertainers, and creatives from across the diaspora. Investment in the creative arts can help develop the industry, create jobs, and promote Ghanaian culture globally.
Strengthening Diaspora Engagement
Beyond economic opportunities, Beyond the Return places a strong emphasis on deepening the connection between Ghana and the African diaspora. The initiative aims to create pathways for members of the diaspora to return to Ghana permanently or semi-permanently, with a focus on making the process of obtaining citizenship or residency more accessible.
Citizenship and Residency:
One of the major barriers for members of the diaspora considering a move to Ghana is the complexity of obtaining citizenship or residency. The Beyond the Return initiative includes efforts to streamline this process, offering clearer pathways and support for those who wish to make Ghana their home. This could involve special visa programs, dual citizenship agreements, and incentives for returnees.
Education and Cultural Exchange:
Educational programs and cultural exchanges are key components of Beyond the Return. The initiative encourages the diaspora to engage with Ghanaian culture and history through study tours, cultural festivals, and heritage programs. These exchanges not only enrich the diaspora’s connection to Ghana but also provide opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Community Building:
Creating communities for returnees is essential for a successful transition. The Ghanaian government, along with diaspora organizations, is working to develop support networks, housing
options, and business incubators that cater specifically to the needs of returnees. These communities can serve as hubs for cultural exchange, business development, and social support.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the Beyond the Return initiative is ambitious, it is not without its challenges. Infrastructure development, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for sustained political will are critical factors that will determine the success of the initiative. Additionally, there is a need to ensure that the benefits of diaspora engagement are distributed equitably across the country, reaching rural areas and underserved communities.
For Beyond the Return to truly succeed, it will require the active participation of not just the Ghanaian government, but also the private sector, civil society, and the diaspora itself. Collaboration and communication are key to overcoming challenges and ensuring that the initiative delivers on its promises.
A New Chapter for Ghana and the Diaspora
As Ghana embarks on this new chapter, the focus must be on creating sustainable, inclusive opportunities that benefit both the nation and the diaspora. Beyond the Return is not just about what Ghana can offer to the diaspora, but also about what the diaspora can bring to Ghana—a partnership that has the potential to transform the country for generations to come.
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Dr. Vicki L. Otaruyina is an award-winning elevation coach, strategic marketer, and global market expansion consultant. She is the founder of Effective Marketing Solutions and co-founder of Ruyina Global, helping businesses achieve global impact through innovative marketing strategies. With over 19 years of experience, she leads initiatives that drive visibility and growth across various industries. Dr. Vicki also founded Mission Inside Out Barbados and co-founded Ruyina Welfare & Humanitarian Foundation in Nigeria.
