{
  "id": 9118659,
  "title": "Govt seeks Diaspora input to shape policies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/govt-seeks-diaspora-input-to-shape-policies",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T09:25:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/govt-seeks-diaspora-input-to-shape-policies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Diaspora Affairs Office of the President organized its inaugural Ghana Diaspora Townhall Meeting at Christiansborg Castle in Accra, aiming to bolster cooperation between the government and the African Diaspora community. Held on Friday, the event followed the theme \"Listening Today, Building Tomorrow: Strengthening Ghana’s Partnership with the Diaspora.\"\n\nThe annual gathering aims to facilitate direct communication between the government and the Diaspora, enabling discussions on challenges and opportunities for national development. Kofi Okyere-Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs, highlighted the importance of the meeting, stating that the government seeks honest feedback from the Diaspora on what has worked, what has not, and what could be improved.\n\nSince President John Dramani Mahama granted citizenship to several Diaspora members in 2016, more individuals have obtained Ghanaian citizenship. The Director emphasized the significance of receiving input from these citizens to address their concerns and support their contributions to the country's economy. To ensure effective engagement, DAOOP convened approximately 30 public and private institutions, including the Lands Commission, Rent Control Department, Ghana Immigration Service, National Identification Authority, Black Stars Experience Secretariat, and Ghana Tourism Authority.\n\nAttendees expressed concerns about escalating rental, land, and real estate prices but praised DAOOP for organizing the event, expressing optimism about the initiative's potential to alleviate their difficulties. The event comprised nine thematic sessions addressing citizenship, immigration, property, tourism, business, employment, education, infrastructure, and health. The meeting concluded with the approval of key recommendations and actions for 2026 and 2027, which will guide future government policies and foster ongoing collaboration between the government and the Diaspora.",
  "summary": "The Diaspora Affairs Office of the President (DAOOP) has held the maiden Ghana Diaspora Townhall Meeting at the Christiansborg Castle in Osu, Accra, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government and the Ghanaian and African Diaspora community. The meeting, held last Friday, was on the theme: “Listening Today, Building Tomorrow: Strengthening Ghana’s … The post Govt seeks…",
  "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."
}