Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, has called on Ghanaians in the diaspora to invest in the country’s real estate sector, describing housing as a viable pathway to asset ownership and national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Ghana Housing Expo 2026 in the UK, Mrs. Benson said the event goes beyond a property showcase, positioning it instead as a structured platform for diaspora engagement aimed at driving tangible development outcomes.
She noted that the theme of this year’s expo, “Beyond Remittances: Turning Diaspora Aspirations into Reality,” reflects a shift in Ghana’s development conversation. According to her, Ghanaians abroad must move beyond sending money for household needs and begin focusing on long-term investments.
“For decades, remittances have been a vital source of economic support for many Ghanaian households, contributing to livelihoods, education, and welfare,” she said.
Citing figures from the Bank of Ghana, Mrs. Benson revealed that $7.8 billion flowed into the country as remittances in 2025.
She also referenced the central bank’s newly introduced “Remit to Invest” policy, which encourages diaspora communities to channel remittances into investment opportunities.
She stressed that diaspora remittances should not be seen merely as financial inflows but as part of a broader strategic partnership that includes expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial capacity.
“The Ghanaian diaspora is more than a source of financial inflows; it is a strategic development partner, offering knowledge, expertise, entrepreneurial capacity, and a global perspective,” she stated.
Mrs. Benson, however, acknowledged longstanding concerns among diaspora investors, particularly around land tenure, documentation, project credibility, and delays in project completion.
She emphasised the need for these issues to be addressed through stronger institutions and improved systems.
“It is important to sincerely acknowledge the concerns that have shaped diaspora perceptions of real estate investment in Ghana.
These concerns must be addressed, not dismissed,” she noted.
She outlined steps being taken by government to improve land administration and regulatory oversight, while promoting best practices within the real estate sector.
She added that partnerships with reputable developers and financial institutions are being encouraged to ensure high standards of integrity and reliability.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the growing role of technology in enhancing investor confidence.
She pointed to digital tools such as online land registries, secure payment platforms, and property verification systems as key to improving transparency and enabling safer cross-border transactions.
Mrs. Benson assured participants that the expo is designed as a platform built on trust and transparency, enabling diaspora investors to engage directly with credible and regulated developers.
“This expo provides an opportunity for the diaspora to channel its considerable resources into projects that deliver both competitive returns and transformational impact,” she said.
She further described the United Kingdom as a valued partner to Ghana and expressed optimism that the expo would deepen economic collaboration, particularly in areas such as sustainable construction, green finance, and urban planning.
By 1960news.com
