Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has urged Ghanaians living abroad to return home and contribute to the country’s economic transformation. Speaking to Ghanaian churches in Worcester, Massachusetts, Ambassador Smith emphasized that the nation’s underdevelopment is a key reason many citizens remain abroad.

“Many would be home if Ghana were half as developed as the U.S.,” he said, expressing pain that skilled Ghanaians are seeking opportunities elsewhere instead of contributing to their own country’s growth.

The Ambassador called on skilled Ghanaians to partner with investors and return home to create industries, jobs, and drive sustainable development. “I am expecting that investors will want people with your kind of skills to partner them in Ghana,” he said, highlighting the need for expertise, experience, and innovative approaches to transform the nation.

Ambassador Smith stressed that creating well-paying jobs is central to reducing migration and fostering national growth. “Jobs, jobs, jobs, that is the priority. We want fewer people feeling forced to leave the country in search of opportunities,” he added.