{
  "id": 19187567,
  "title": "‘Our young people are afraid of their shadows abroad’ – Ambassador Smith",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/our-young-people-are-afraid-of-their-shadows-abroad-ambassador-smith",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T17:16:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/our-young-people-are-afraid-of-their-shadows-abroad-ambassador-smith/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has expressed concern over the struggles faced by some young Ghanaians living abroad. In a recent interview with Desmond Danso on JoyNews, Ambassador Smith highlighted the challenges that these Ghanaians are encountering, such as unemployment and fear, which have led them to live in constant anxiety, fearing that immigration authorities would come knocking at their door. One example he presented was the situation in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he estimated around 45,000 Ghanaians reside. According to Ambassador Smith, many of these individuals are not only unemployed but are also living in fear, spending much of their time in churches, avoiding any interaction with law enforcement.\n\nSmith urged the Ghanaian diaspora, particularly those contemplating returning to Ghana, to consider partnering with investors to establish businesses and generate employment opportunities. He emphasized that such collaborations could provide a much-needed boost for young people and help alleviate the pressure that drives them to migrate in search of better prospects. \"These are not easy things,\" said Ambassador Smith, \"and I am urging them to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. Go back home with an investor and seize the moment. It is absolutely achievable.\" He stressed that creating more job opportunities within Ghana would significantly reduce the wave of migration among the younger population.\n\nThe Ambassador also pointed out that Ghanaian communities like the one in Worcester are indicative of the larger issues facing the diaspora. He has been actively engaging with both members of the Ghanaian diaspora and investors in the United States to promote investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, the Ghanaian government has been encouraging its citizens living abroad to invest in the country's development. Through these efforts, Ambassador Smith hopes to create a more attractive environment for Ghanaians both abroad and at home, thereby fostering economic growth and stability.",
  "summary": "Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, says some young Ghanaians living abroad are struggling with difficult conditions, including unemployment and fear, and has urged them to consider returning home with investors to create opportunities. He cited the Ghanaian community in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he estimates about 45,000 Ghanaians live, as an example of the challenges…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}