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Diaspora MP for Ghana Parliament

Feature Article Diaspora MP for Ghana Parliament
OCT 18, 2011 LISTEN

Prologue: For the first time, three Diaspora MPs have been elected to represent the Macedonia diaspora in Macedonia parliament. Is this going to be a new trend to fortify a nation's development? Ghana cannot afford to look down upon this proposal having great intelligent and able Ghanaians living abroad.

The effects of Ghanaians living abroad can at least be felt by many Ghanaians. It is estimated that there is about 3 million plus Ghanaians living abroad. A friend once said that if you have no idea of a Ghanaian living in a certain country, don't go there.

This huge migration of Ghanaians abroad has been a great resource both for the government and Ghanaians at home. From housing and construction, exports and imports services, media etc. are few areas that could be credited to Ghanaians living abroad. Many institutions like schools, hospitals, churches, etc. have all equally benefited from Ghanaians living abroad.

Many new sites developing in Ghana cities and towns are partly accredited to Ghanaians living abroad. The importation of cars and spare parts, establishment of small scale business and enterprises, Internet radio streaming and podcasts, exchange of Ghanaian culture, travel and tours are evidences of the immense contribution that Ghanaians living abroad have contributed to the economic development of Ghana.

However, Ghanaians living abroad have received less attention when they address their grievances especially in the area of CEPS where huge amounts are charged on goods and sometimes goods ceased without any justifiable reasons. Their willingness to contribute to national development is sometimes dashed off all in the name of political affiliation. These makes it reasonable if a representative in the Ghanaian parliament would be appointed to address some of these issues and moreover let the voice of Ghanaians living abroad be heard in legislative and policy making.

Now Ghanaians living abroad would like to fully participate in the progress of Ghana in voice and action. Many Ghanaians living abroad has had the opinion that when they are giving the chance, they can do more things for Ghana. And there is no doubt in this since they have traveled and had experiences about what is happening out there.

I think it's time for the government to recognize the input of Ghanaians living abroad in national decision making. There are doctors, engineers, foreign government appointees, IT professionals, International Business men, Educationists etc. who are all willing to infuse their ideas into the development of Ghana, only given the chance.

Any visionary will see that, this is a new era for Ghana to benefit from international ideas as our brothers and sisters have acquired and are ready to contribute their experiences in national development. The hope of Ghana is taking up the mantle to walk shoulder to shoulder with other developed countries and this can be achieved by breathing in fresh ideas from Ghanaians living abroad.

Why Ghanaians living abroad?

1. People who have traveled always come with new ideas

2. Some Ghanaians living abroad have international networks with Governmental and non-governmental bodies and therefore can pull investment into the country

3. People living abroad are hard working and always seek for the progress of Ghana

4. Ghana has a lot of excellent human resources working for foreign institutions without any benefit for Ghana

5. They can (with the above mentioned profile) build hospitals, internationally ranked institutions, estate houses, promote IT and Digital operations into Ghana etc.

What will the MP do?

1. To help better connect to Ghanaians living abroad to influence government policies for better national growth.

2. To help solve problems that Ghanaians go through at the various ports of Ghana.

3. To help mobilize the Ghanaian Diaspora for their contribution in national development.

4. To solicit the ideas of Ghanaians living abroad for policy making in Ghana.

5. To link up with Ghanaians living abroad for specific national projects.

6. To invite Ghanaians living abroad to invest in Ghana.

7. To work with government and other ministers to enhance Ghana's development.

Ghana Diaspora is a big community with experts and individuals who have the country at heart. The government can not afford to lose the input of these visionary men and women. This is a new era, and we must embrace new ideas. It is however important for the amendment committee of the constitution to consider this issue.

Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

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