Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, H.E. Sabah Zita Benson, has urged Ghanaians living abroad to see themselves not as spectators of the country’s development, but as active contributors to its transformation.
Speaking at a Diaspora Town Hall Meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, 2026, where President John Dramani Mahama engaged members of the Ghanaian community, Mrs. Benson stressed that national development depends not only on government policies but also on the meaningful involvement of citizens across the globe.
The High Commissioner explained that while governments provide policy direction and institutional frameworks, sustainable national progress requires the active participation of citizens both at home and abroad.
She noted that the diaspora’s wealth of experience, professional expertise, global exposure, and international networks places them in a unique position to contribute significantly to Ghana’s advancement.
“The responsibility of nation-building must necessarily be collective. Government provides policy direction and institutional frameworks, but enduring national transformation requires the active participation of citizens both at home and abroad.
For members of the diaspora, this responsibility is particularly significant.
“We are not merely observers of Ghana’s development; we are participants in it. Our experiences, expertise, global exposure, and transnational networks position us uniquely to contribute towards national advancement.”
Mrs. Benson also directed her remarks to young Ghanaians in attendance, encouraging them to remain intellectually and emotionally connected to their homeland.
She described the younger generation as critical to Ghana’s future and urged them to leverage their innovation, creativity, and global perspectives in helping shape the nation’s next chapter.
“To the younger generation present here today, I encourage you to remain intellectually and emotionally engaged with Ghana. You are the future of our nation. Your innovation, creativity, and global perspective will be essential in shaping the country’s next chapter.”
The High Commissioner further emphasized that diaspora engagement should extend beyond economic and professional contributions.
She highlighted the importance of preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage, values, and national identity among future generations of Ghanaians living abroad.
“Everywhere I go in the UK, I encounter your immense potential, expertise, and enduring passion for the motherland.
Equally important is the preservation of our cultural heritage, values, and national identity among future generations of Ghanaians abroad.”
The Town Hall Meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen engagement between the Presidency and the Ghanaian diaspora, while exploring ways in which Ghanaians living abroad can support the country’s development priorities and contribute to its long-term growth.
By 1960news.com
