Ghana is set to host the 2025 Diaspora Summit and Awards Gala on December 19–20 at the Accra International Conference Centre, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with its global diaspora. Under the theme “Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region,” the summit aims to reframe the role of Ghanaians abroad, not merely as remittance senders, but as full partners in national development. The event was officially launched on September 17 by the Office of Diaspora Affairs under the Presidency, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaling high-level commitment to this transformative agenda.
The summit will serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and celebration, bringing together diaspora leaders, investors, innovators, and cultural ambassadors from across the globe. Key focus areas include skills transfer, entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural exchange, as well as critical conversations around reparations and justice for Africans worldwide. By positioning the diaspora as Ghana’s symbolic 17th region, the summit underscores the importance of inclusive development and the need to harness the talents and resources of citizens beyond the country’s borders.
In a bold and welcoming gesture, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced visa-free entry for all summit attendees, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as a gateway for African descendants seeking reconnection and reintegration. The event will also honor five distinguished Ghanaians with diplomatic passports in recognition of their contributions to promoting Ghana’s image globally. Among the honorees are renowned musician Rocky Dawuni, digital creator Wode Maya, and media personality Anita Erskine, whose work has elevated Ghana’s cultural and creative presence on the world stage.
The 2025 Diaspora Summit promises to be more than a ceremonial gathering, it is a strategic moment to reset Ghana’s development narrative through the lens of global citizenship. As the country continues to position itself as a hub for Pan-African engagement, this summit offers a powerful opportunity to build bridges, inspire investment, and reaffirm the shared destiny between Ghana and its diaspora. The energy surrounding the event reflects a renewed sense of purpose, one rooted in unity, pride, and the collective ambition to shape a future worthy of the continent’s promise.