Promoting Ghanaian Diaspora Participation In Homeland Development: A Case Study On The Year Of Return Program

Abstract

In 2018 the government of Ghana launched the “Year of Return” with the aim of attracting Ghanaian diaspora to come home in 2019 and to contribute to the development of the country. Since the end of its implementation, no empirical assessment has been conducted, making one wonder whether the programme has been effective in mobilizing the diaspora to improve on the level of development in Ghana. Hence, this study examined how the year of return programme has promoted the diasporas’ participation in homeland development. The study employed the qualitative research approach and gathered semistructured interview data from government institutions with oversight over the implementation of the ‘Year of Return’ initiative. The respondents were selected using the purposive sampling method based on their in-depth knowledge of diaspora policy issues and the ‘Year of Return’ programme. The study found that the ‘Year of Return’ programme has contributed diversely towards facilitating the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy by enhancing human capital development and economic activities in the country. However, the implementation of the programme was faced with multiple problems including inadequate planning and poor coordination, poor infrastructural development, and limited budgetary allocations. Besides, it revealed that the strategies being used to sustain the returns include the “Beyond the Return initiative”, establishment of ‘Sankofa account’ for diaspora contributions, and granting of citizenship status. The study recommended that there should be proper coordination between relevant government agencies, and future diaspora engagement programmes should be carefully planned with clear targets. Secondly, there should be a celebration of diaspora returns as annual festival, implement favourable tax policies and diaspora integration initiatives to promote more participation of the diaspora in the development of the Ghanaian economy. Finally, government should provide adequate financial support to the organizing agencies as well as commit more resources to ensure existence of basic social amenities necessary to attract more future returns