President Mahama Hails Ghanaian Diaspora as Key Partner in National Development

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada

Accra, Ghana — February 27, 2026

President John Dramani Mahama delivered his annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Friday, February 27, 2026, as required by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. In a major highlight of his speech, the President praised Ghanaians living abroad the diaspora emphasizing how their contributions are helping to stabilize and grow the nation’s economy.

Addressing lawmakers and dignitaries in Parliament, President Mahama revealed that **remittances from the diaspora reached a historic high of $7.8 billion in 2025, a record level for Ghana. This figure, he said, reflects not only the financial support coming from Ghanaians abroad but also their deep belief in the future of the country.

The President described the diaspora’s financial inflows as one of the most reliable sources of support for national development, noting that they come without the bureaucracy or conditions often attached to external loans and development assistance. He said these funds are more than just foreign exchange inflows they are lifelines for many families and small businesses across the country.

According to President Mahama, the contributions from Ghanaians abroad are playing a real and measurable role in national life:

•Supporting households nationwide with basic needs and livelihoods.

•Financing education for students who would otherwise struggle to pay school fees.

•Building homes and community infrastructure in towns and villages.

•Providing seed capital for startups and small businesses, stimulating job creation.

•Stabilizing Ghana’s foreign exchange position, strengthening the economy.

“Their support without contracts, conditionalities, or fanfare has made our diaspora one of the country’s most dependable pillars of growth,” he added.

Beyond celebrating remittance figures, President Mahama encouraged stronger collaboration between the government and the Ghanaian diaspora. He suggested diaspora Ghanaians should be seen not just as supporters, but as partners in economic planning, investment, skills transfer, and national transformation.

This message resonates with ongoing government strategies to deepen diaspora engagement, such as the activities of the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Presidency a body created to build bridges between Ghanaians abroad and the country’s development agenda.

Experts say the diaspora holds vast potential not only through remittances but also business investment, professional expertise, international networks, and global market access. President Mahama’s SONA highlighted the need to harness these assets in ways that support Ghana’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Analysts view the President’s remarks as a clear recognition that diaspora engagement is no longer optional  its strategic in an increasingly interconnected world.

With remittances at record levels and commitments from the leadership to strengthen the role of Ghanaians abroad, many see new opportunities for collaboration that could drive innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth.