‘Our young people are afraid of their shadows abroad’ – Ambassador Smith

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 facing members of the diaspora.

Speaking in a one-on-one interview with Desmond Danso on JoyNews, Ambassador Smith said some Ghanaians in the city were not working and appeared to live in fear.

"I went to Worcester in Massachusetts and there are about 45,000 Ghanaians in Worcester alone. And ask me whether they are working. No. They're not. And they are even afraid of their shadows that ICE will pick them. So, they are spending most of their time in their churches," he said.

The Ambassador encouraged Ghanaians abroad who are considering returning home to explore partnerships with investors to establish businesses and create jobs.

He said such arrangements could provide opportunities for young people and help reduce the pressure to migrate in search of better prospects.

"These are not easy things. And I am preaching to them that listen, I'm here to do this. When opportunity strikes, go back home by all means. Go with an investor and try to pick up the pieces. It is possible," he said.

Ambassador Smith said creating more employment opportunities in Ghana would help reduce migration among young people.

"We create jobs and opportunities for the young people so that our young people, at least, the migration will be minimised," he said.

He has been engaging members of the Ghanaian diaspora and investors in the United States to promote investment opportunities in sectors including mining, energy, agriculture and manufacturing.

The government has also been encouraging Ghanaians abroad to invest in the country's development.