Ghana Ambassador to US Victor Smith urges diaspora to attract investment and create jobs

Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has urged the Ghanaian diaspora to return home with investors to create jobs and opportunities for young people.

Speaking in a one-on-one interview with Desmond Danso on JoyNews, Ambassador Smith said he is actively engaging investors in the US to sell the opportunities that exist in Ghana.

"Now, that is where I am on the other side of the Atlantic asking us to sell the opportunities that exist to the foreign investors. There are big opportunities in mining, energy, agriculture, you name it, manufacturing," he stated.

Ambassador Smith encouraged the diaspora to partner with investors.

"We're asking our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, you want to come back home, we encourage you, but come in partnership with an investor. He puts his money, he feels secure behind you. You also feel secure because you're not the only one who put your money in there. You create jobs and opportunities for the young people so that our young people, at least, the migration will be minimized," he stated.

The Ambassador cited the example of Worcester, Massachusetts, where about 45,000 Ghanaians live.

"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 the eyes will pick them. So, they are spending most of their time in their churches," he stated.

"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."