The Director of the Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), has announced plans to deepen engagement between Ghana and its diaspora youth through a new partnership with World Vision International.

According to KOD, the collaboration will lead to the launch of a Diaspora National Service Project, an initiative designed to give young people of Ghanaian descent living abroad the opportunity to reconnect with their homeland and gain a first-hand understanding of how governance and systems operate in Ghana.

He explained that the Diaspora Affairs Office, which operates under the Office of the President, is also working closely with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

KOD made this revelation, speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom morning show on Accra 100.5 FM on Friday, January 16, 2024.  

As part of the programme, diaspora participants will be exposed to Ghana’s investment landscape, with officials breaking down available opportunities across key sectors.

“When diaspora youth travel to Ghana under this programme, they won’t be alone,” KOD noted.

“We will move with institutions like GIPC, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and other relevant agencies so participants fully understand the opportunities in tourism, the creative industry, agribusiness, and real estate.”

KOD highlighted that the creative industry remains a major attraction for many young people in the diaspora who want to contribute their skills to Ghana’s development.

He also pointed to agribusiness and real estate as fast-growing sectors, noting that many Ghanaians abroad are already investing back home.

He cited the success of AirBnB in Ghana as a clear example of diaspora-driven investment, explaining that many homes used for short-term rentals are owned by Ghanaians living abroad.

These properties provide accommodation for visitors while generating income for owners who may not reside in the country full-time.

“People travel abroad, but they always want to come back home,” he said.

“That connection never really leaves them.”

KOD further stressed the importance of culture in attracting global interest, noting that Ghanaian cultural troupes and creative expressions continue to gain recognition worldwide.

He emphasised that Africa’s future lies in its youth, making it crucial to intentionally involve young people in nation-building efforts.

Under the proposed Diaspora National Service Project, participation will not mirror the traditional one-year national service. Instead, diaspora youth will spend between three weeks and one month in Ghana, engaging in guided tours, sector-specific experiences, and short service placements.

Participants may also spend up to two weeks working with institutions such as the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency to better understand how government operations and public service function in Ghana.

KOD clarified that the programme is not necessarily aimed at forcing permanent relocation but at strengthening emotional, cultural, and developmental ties to Ghana.

“The goal is to ensure that wherever they are in the world, they always think about Ghana and see how they can contribute,” he said.

The Diaspora National Service Project is expected to be officially launched soon, with World Vision International playing a key role in its implementation and coordination.