By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
26 OCTOBER 2026
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has outlined a series of proposed policies aimed at strengthening Ghana’s relationship with its diaspora, attracting investment and expanding economic opportunities during a town hall meeting with Ghanaians in Ottawa, Canada.
The meeting, held on Sunday evening, October 25, brought together members of the Ghanaian community to discuss government policies, diaspora participation in national development and concerns surrounding the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.
Among the major announcements attributed to the minister were plans to revive Ghana Airways in 2027, introduce a diaspora bond to finance infrastructure projects, expand opportunities for dual citizens to hold public office and pursue labour mobility agreements for Ghanaian professionals.
Mr Ablakwa also outlined the government’s intention to shift Ghana’s economic focus from stabilization towards production and manufacturing, encouraging Ghanaians abroad to invest in businesses at home.
However, the engagement also became contentious when some members of the community reportedly challenged the minister over the expenditure incurred in evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa.
The meeting therefore combined policy announcements and investment opportunities with a difficult discussion about public accountability.
1. Dual citizens could gain greater access to public office
One of the significant issues discussed was the participation of Ghanaians living abroad in the country’s political and administrative leadership.
According to an account of the town hall, Mr Ablakwa said Cabinet had accepted a recommendation from Ghana’s Constitutional Review Committee to expand opportunities for dual citizens to serve in public office.
The proposed reform would remove certain restrictions that currently prevent Ghanaians holding another nationality from occupying specified public positions.
Under the government’s accepted recommendation, dual citizens could become eligible to contest parliamentary elections and serve in ministerial and other public offices, subject to the applicable constitutional and legal requirements. The presidency and vice-presidency would remain excluded under the proposal.
The recommendation forms part of wider constitutional reform discussions intended to recognise the contribution of Ghanaians living abroad and enable the country to benefit from their skills, experience and international connections.
For many members of the diaspora, the change could represent a significant shift in how Ghana recognises citizenship and national service.
Ghanaians living in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries often acquire professional experience in areas such as healthcare, engineering, finance, technology, education and public administration.
Supporters of the reform argue that Ghana should be able to draw on that expertise without automatically requiring citizens to abandon another nationality.
However, Cabinet acceptance of a recommendation should not be confused with the completion of the necessary legal process. The precise implementation will depend on the relevant constitutional amendments and legislative requirements.
2. Ghana plans diaspora bond for infrastructure investment
The proposed Ghanaian diaspora bond was another major announcement at the meeting.
Mr Ablakwa reportedly said the government expects to launch the investment instrument in the coming months, allowing Ghanaians abroad to invest in projects intended to support Ghana’s development.
The proposed bond is expected to channel funds towards infrastructure and other development priorities while providing investors with financial returns.
A diaspora bond is a debt instrument through which a country raises money from citizens living abroad and, in some cases, people with strong connections to the country.
Rather than relying exclusively on traditional borrowing, the government could use such an instrument to mobilise savings from Ghanaians overseas to finance projects such as transport infrastructure, energy, water systems and other public investments.
For Ghanaians in Canada, the proposal could provide another avenue for participating in the country’s development beyond remittances and private business ownership.
However, the success of such a scheme would depend heavily on its structure, transparency and credibility.
One of the concerns raised by diaspora investors is the possibility of future debt restructuring, currency depreciation or changes in government policy affecting the value of their investments.
Ghana’s previous domestic debt restructuring, commonly referred to as the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, left some investors concerned about the treatment of their holdings during periods of financial distress.
According to the account of the Ottawa meeting, assurances were given that the proposed diaspora investment would be protected against a government-induced haircut.
That assurance is likely to be important to prospective investors, but its practical significance will depend on the legal protections included in the final bond documents.
Before committing funds, investors will need clear information on the currency of issuance, interest rates, maturity periods, repayment arrangements, taxation, transferability and the legal remedies available if the government fails to meet its obligations.
A guarantee of protection against restructuring losses would also need to be clearly defined and supported by enforceable arrangements rather than relying solely on political assurances.
The proposed bond could become an important source of development financing if it offers credible safeguards, transparent reporting and projects that deliver measurable benefits.
3. Ghana Airways revival targeted for 2027
Mr Ablakwa also announced that the government is targeting 2027 for the return of Ghana Airways, the country’s former national airline.
According to reports of his remarks, the government has established a technical committee to work on the revival plan, and the committee has submitted its report.
The minister said President John Dramani Mahama is committed to restoring the national carrier and that discussions with aircraft manufacturer Boeing have formed part of the preparations.
A direct Ghana–Canada route is expected to be among the first priorities under the proposed plan.
For Ghanaians living in Canada, the possibility of a direct flight between Accra and Toronto could be particularly significant.
Canada hosts a sizeable Ghanaian community, and direct air connectivity could make visits home more convenient while supporting tourism, business travel, family reunions and trade.
A national carrier could also provide opportunities to strengthen connections between Ghana and other international markets.
Nevertheless, reviving an airline requires more than announcing a target date. The government will need to demonstrate that the proposed operation has a sustainable business model, adequate financing, appropriate aircraft, regulatory approvals and a competitive route strategy.
Ghana Airways ceased operations in the early 2000s after years of financial and operational difficulties.
Any new national carrier will therefore face expectations that it must avoid the management and financial problems that contributed to the collapse of its predecessor.
The 2027 target remains a government ambition rather than confirmation that flights will necessarily begin on schedule.
4. Government pursuing labour mobility agreements
The minister also highlighted efforts to establish labour mobility agreements with various countries to improve employment opportunities and working conditions for Ghanaian professionals abroad.
Such agreements can create structured pathways for qualified workers to access employment overseas while providing protections relating to recruitment, wages, working conditions and other employment rights.
Ghana has already pursued labour mobility arrangements with partner countries, including Qatar, and has discussed additional opportunities with other governments.
The Ottawa meeting’s reported emphasis on professional mobility reflects the government’s broader diplomatic approach of seeking practical economic benefits from international relationships.
For Ghanaian professionals, formal agreements could help reduce the risks associated with irregular recruitment, misleading job offers and exploitative employment arrangements.
Healthcare professionals, engineers, information technology specialists and other skilled workers could benefit from clearer pathways to international employment where agreements cover their occupations.
However, the impact of any new arrangement will depend on the participating countries, eligible professions, recruitment procedures, visa requirements and enforceable protections for workers.
The government will also face the challenge of balancing international employment opportunities with the need to retain essential skills within Ghana.
5. Government wants to move the economy towards production
Mr Ablakwa reportedly said the government’s next economic phase would focus on moving beyond macroeconomic stability towards a more production-oriented economy.
The strategy is expected to place greater emphasis on manufacturing, value addition and domestic industrial development.
According to the account of the meeting, the government intends to invest at least US$2 billion annually in critical manufacturing sectors, including textiles and agro-processing.
The proposed approach would seek to increase local production, create jobs and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported finished goods.
In the agricultural sector, stronger agro-processing capacity could allow more crops produced by Ghanaian farmers to be processed locally before being sold in domestic and international markets.
The textile industry could also benefit from investment in local production, processing and manufacturing, potentially creating opportunities for workers and businesses along the supply chain.
For the diaspora, the minister’s message was an invitation to look beyond remittances and consider establishing businesses or investing in productive ventures in Ghana.
Ghanaians abroad possess financial resources, professional expertise and international networks that could contribute to industrial development if the right conditions exist.
However, the reported US$2 billion annual investment ambition will require further clarification on the source of the funds, the specific sectors to receive support, the delivery timetable and how private investment will complement public spending.
Investors will also need confidence in reliable electricity, transport infrastructure, access to finance, predictable regulations and the enforcement of commercial agreements.
A successful manufacturing strategy would depend not only on the amount of money announced but also on whether it translates into functioning factories, higher productivity, export growth and sustainable employment.
6. Special education book presentation
The town hall also included a book presentation by Dr Baafi Yeboah on special education assessment for children with special needs.
The presentation brought attention to the importance of identifying children’s educational needs and ensuring that assessments inform appropriate support and learning interventions.
Special education assessment can help parents, teachers and specialists better understand a child’s learning requirements and determine the support needed for their educational development.
For Ghana, strengthening this area could contribute to more inclusive education and improve the ability of schools and families to respond to children who require specialised learning support.
The presentation added an educational and community-development dimension to a meeting otherwise dominated by questions of governance, investment and Ghana’s relationship with its diaspora.
Further details about the book’s contents, intended audience and availability would help readers understand its practical contribution to special education in Ghana.
7. Ablakwa addresses questions over South Africa evacuation
The South Africa evacuation controversy remained one of the most sensitive issues at the meeting.
Some members of the Ghanaian community have questioned the government’s expenditure on bringing citizens home following xenophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa.
The government has reported spending approximately GH¢49.72 million on the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians between May 27 and September 4, 2026.
The expenditure reportedly covered flights, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical care and financial assistance for returnees.
The Minority in Parliament has raised questions about the supporting documents and payment records, calling for an independent audit.
Mr Ablakwa has maintained that the government has records to support the expenditure and has defended the payment of the announced GH¢5,500 support package to evacuees.
During his Ottawa engagement, he reportedly reiterated his position on the payments and challenged claims that beneficiaries had received less than the announced amount.
The minister’s response has not ended the wider debate over the expenditure. The question of whether individual beneficiaries received their full allowances is related to, but distinct from, whether the entire evacuation budget can be reconciled through an independent examination of receipts, contracts and payment records.
An independent audit could help establish whether the expenditure was properly documented and address the competing claims.
8. Community confrontation raises questions about public dialogue
The town hall was reportedly well attended, but the atmosphere became tense when some community members from Toronto challenged the minister over the South Africa evacuation.
According to the account provided by an attendee, the group demanded Mr Ablakwa’s resignation over the controversy and interrupted him while he was attempting to respond.
The incident sparked differing reactions among members of the community.
Some argued that the minister should be held accountable for decisions made under his authority, particularly where public funds are involved. Others said the minister should have been allowed to finish his response after being given the opportunity to address the questions raised.
One attendee argued that those questioning the minister should come prepared with verifiable evidence, including exact statements, dates and relevant records, rather than relying on accusations that may be difficult to substantiate.
Another expressed support for the proposed diaspora bond, describing it as a potentially valuable way to finance national development if adequate legal safeguards were established to protect investors against future losses.
Other comments reflected deeper political mistrust, with some participants saying they were tired of being labelled supporters of either the governing National Democratic Congress or the opposition New Patriotic Party simply because they questioned a public official.
These reactions illustrate a broader challenge facing Ghanaian politics: how to maintain robust public scrutiny while ensuring that public engagements remain constructive and that competing views receive a fair hearing.
Demonstrations and difficult questions are legitimate parts of democratic accountability. Equally, a town hall can serve its purpose only when participants have a meaningful opportunity to ask questions and receive responses.
The available account does not independently establish every detail of the confrontation or the identities and motivations of all those involved.
What the announcements mean for Ghanaians in Canada
Taken together, the reported announcements touch on several issues of direct interest to Ghana’s diaspora.
The proposed constitutional changes could widen opportunities for dual citizens to contribute to public service. A diaspora bond could provide a formal investment channel, while a revived national airline could improve travel connections between Ghana and Canada.
Labour mobility agreements could create more structured employment opportunities, and a stronger manufacturing sector could offer new avenues for investment and business development.
However, each proposal will require more than a town hall announcement to become a practical benefit.
The diaspora bond will need published investment terms and credible protections. The airline revival will require financing and operational readiness. Constitutional reforms must complete the applicable legal process, while labour agreements need clear implementation arrangements.
Similarly, the government’s manufacturing ambitions will need measurable targets and transparent reporting on how public and private capital is deployed.
For Ghanaians abroad, the most important test will be whether these proposals translate into tangible opportunities and lasting confidence in Ghana’s institutions.
A meeting with promises and unresolved questions
The Ottawa town hall offered the government an opportunity to explain its plans directly to Ghanaians living abroad and encourage them to participate more actively in national development.
The proposed diaspora bond, expanded eligibility for public office, labour mobility agreements and planned return of Ghana Airways could all have significant implications if implemented successfully.
At the same time, the confrontation over the South Africa evacuation showed that diaspora engagement involves more than attracting investment and promoting government initiatives. It also requires openness to criticism, access to reliable information and credible mechanisms for resolving disputes over public spending.
The proposed reforms will ultimately be judged by their implementation, while the evacuation controversy will require verifiable records and independent scrutiny to settle outstanding questions.
For now, the Ottawa meeting has placed both the government’s ambitions for deeper diaspora engagement and the demand for public accountability firmly in the spotlight.
