Accra, Ghana – Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on Saturday night that a record $7.8 billion was remitted by Ghanaians living abroad in 2025, highlighting the significant economic contribution of the diaspora and justifying government intervention for citizens facing distress overseas. The announcement coincided with the arrival of approximately 340 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
Diaspora as a Key Economic Pillar
The substantial influx of remittances represents a dramatic increase from the approximately $4.6 billion received in 2024. This figure, equivalent to about 6% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), now surpasses foreign direct investment and establishes the diaspora as a cornerstone of the nation’s external economic sector.
Remittances have become the second-largest source of foreign exchange for Ghana, trailing only gold exports. In 2024, gold generated $11.6 billion, accounting for 57% of total exports. Cocoa exports brought in $1.73 billion, and petroleum exports contributed $1.36 billion, reaching their second-highest annual level.
Even at its 2024 level of $4.6 billion, remittances alone outpaced the combined earnings from petroleum and cocoa, which totalled $3.09 billion. Unlike volatile commodity exports, remittances have demonstrated greater stability, consistently supporting household consumption, education, healthcare, and small businesses across Ghana.
Justification for Protecting Citizens Abroad
Addressing the evacuated Ghanaians at Accra International Airport, Minister Ablakwa emphasized that this economic contribution validates the government’s swift action in protecting citizens abroad. He stated, “Last year, Ghanaians in the diaspora made history. Your remittances amounted to US$7.8 billion according to the Bank of Ghana.”
Ablakwa refuted arguments that resources should not be allocated to safeguarding Ghanaians overseas. “Apart from the fact that we are all Ghanaians and we must look out for each other, the statistics clearly show that Ghanaians abroad are making a major contribution to our national development,” he asserted.
He highlighted the sacrifices made by diaspora members to support their families back home, providing for essential needs like food, education, and healthcare. “Ghanaians in the diaspora are not selfish. They send remittances home and take care of others back home,” Ablakwa stressed.
Government Support for Evacuees
The Minister reiterated that these principles guided the government’s decision to evacuate citizens caught in the South African violence. “If you are in difficulty, in distress, or in trouble, all of us must stand up for you. We must defend you, we must protect you, and we must take you out of harm’s way. That is what we have done,” he affirmed.
Efforts are underway to facilitate the reintegration of the returnees into Ghanaian society. These initiatives include securing employment opportunities, providing social interventions, and offering compensation for lost businesses and properties.
Approximately 200 jobs have already been secured through partnerships with Ghanaian companies and entrepreneurs. Ablakwa encouraged the evacuees to leverage their skills, experience, and entrepreneurial talents for investment in Ghana’s growing economy.
Future Outlook and Investment Prospects
The Minister noted that Ghana’s economy is showing signs of recovery and is generating new opportunities for business and investment. He pointed to the increasing interest of foreign nationals in investing in Ghana, citing its stability and positive economic prospects.
“The statistics show why we value you. Your contribution to our economy is significant, and Ghana will continue to stand by you wherever you are,” Ablakwa assured the returnees.
The ongoing evacuation operation from South Africa is expected to bring nearly 1,000 Ghanaians back home. This significant diaspora contribution underscores the growing importance of the Ghanaian diaspora in national development and the commitment of the government to their welfare, both at home and abroad.
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