By Hannah Dadzie,Henrietta Afful

Copyright gbcghanaonline

By: Hannah Dadzie

Ghana is poised to host its first-ever Diaspora Summit, a landmark event aiming to redefine the nation’s relationship with its global community. At a media launch in Accra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Ghana will no longer treat its diaspora as foreigners but as the nation’s “17th Region”.

In a significant move to facilitate a seamless homecoming, Mr Ablakwa announced that visa requirements have been waived for all Africans and people of African descent traveling to Ghana for the summit.

“You cannot be saying that your brothers and sisters should come home to you and then you treat them as you treat aliens,” Ablakwa said, highlighting the principle of treating the diaspora as family.

This visa-free policy is a clear demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to make the homecoming experience smooth and welcoming.

The summit, which will be held in Accra from December 19-20, 2025, seeks to embrace the diaspora as a vital co-partner in national development, moving beyond the view of them as just a source of remittances.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, emphasized that the summit represents a step toward justice and solidarity for all people of African descent. He stressed that the gathering is not simply about remittances or December festivities, but about reunification, justice, and charting a permanent path of collaboration.

“We seek nothing but justice, we seek nothing but truth, we seek nothing but our reunification,” Mr Ablakwa stated

The Foreign Affairs Minister also announced Ghana’s leadership in the global reparations movement. President John Dramani Mahama has been chosen by the African Union to champion the cause of reparations, with the mandate extended to 2036. Ablakwa clarified that this effort is not about monetary gain, but about restoring dignity and achieving closure for historical injustices. A special conference on reparations will be a key feature of the summit, showcasing the progress made under Ghana’s leadership.

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo reaffirmed government’s commitment to harnessing the diaspora’s potential for national transformation. She stressed that the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Diaspora Affairs Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has worked tirelessly to ensure the summit leads to “tangible impact” in areas like investment, innovation, and cultural exchange.

“This Summit stands as a testament to Ghana’s vision of transforming our collective strength into a force for progress. Our brothers and sisters abroad continue to play a vital role in shaping the image of our nation, investing in our economy, and contributing to the transfer of knowledge, skills, and networks.” The Chief of Staff indicated

Madam Bampoe Addo reassured the diaspora that Ghana, under the leadership of President Mahama, is “ready for business,” with a “reset agenda” focused on creating a secure environment for their investments and contributions. She emphasized that the diaspora is not separate from Ghana, but a fundamental part of the nation’s development agenda.

“I extend a warm invitation to all our diaspora communities worldwide to join us in this journey come December. Let us seize this historic opportunity to further break barriers and build the Ghana we all want together” Madam Bampoe Addo said.

Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, reinforced the summit’s core mission, stating that the diaspora is not “apart from Ghana, but a part of Ghana.” He highlighted their value beyond remittances, noting that their collective wealth approaches $2 trillion and their skills, networks, and cultural depth are a “monumental resource” for the nation.​Mr Okyere Darko stressed the importance of intentional engagement and announced a new Diaspora Engagement Policy that will institutionalize partnerships with 27 ministries and agencies. The summit, he explained, will be the pinnacle of these efforts, with a call to action for the private sector, the diaspora, and the media to work together to build bridges and break barriers.

The Diaspora Summit, themed “Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region,” will feature an awards night to celebrate the contributions of Ghanaians and people of African descent globally. The government has also launched a website, diasporasummitghana.org, for all relevant information, including event booking and award nominations.