Assessement of Ghana’s Diaspora Engagement Initiatives for National Development

Abstract

geared towards fostering the necessary linkages with the diaspora community and extracting some obligations for the development of their countries of origin. Empirical evidence has shown that there is a growing interest in the migration literature on the need to examine the efficacy of these diaspora engagement initiatives for national development. Drawing on Gamlen’s diaspora engagement typology and positioned in the USA, UK and Qatar, the study undertook an assessment of Ghana’s diaspora engagement initiatives to enhance their participation in the economy. Specifically, it examined the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of Ghanaian diaspora in the study countries: described the major diaspora engagement initiatives implemented over the past three decades in Ghana; examined the experiences and views of the Ghanaian diaspora on governments’ diaspora engagement initiatives as well as their participation in the diaspora programmes. The study relied on a mixed-method approach for its data collection. A total of 390 respondents were sampled. A questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews were conducted with respondents and institutional heads. One of the findings showed that just the extension of rights and privileges to the diaspora may not enhance diaspora participation in national development. lack of awareness of engagement policies and bilateral social security agreements between Ghana and the host countries, for instance, may continue to hinder diaspora engagement. The study concludes that while the Ghanaian diaspora engagement initiatives have had positive impact on national development in terms of remittances, investment, philanthropy and skills and knowledge transfer there are challenges in the implementation of these diaspora initiatives, including the symbolic nation building programmes and rights and privileges which inhibit active participation of the diaspora in the Ghanaian economy. The study therefore recommends that attention should be paid to diaspora consultation, institutional funding, and effective implementation plan and stakeholder consultation.