AFTER SETTLEMENT, WHAT NEXT? – FG. MAXWELL CLOTTEY

Author: Freedom Giant Mahlon Clottey (Ghanaian Anatomy)

The Diasporan mission in Ghana
In the western part of Africa lies a country called Ghana, a nation steeped in history, culture,
and resilience. What was once the Door of No Return has become the Year of Return, and
now, a path to the Future of Retention. Since 2020, Ghana has welcomed hundreds of
diasporans home through the Diaspora Citizenship Ceremony, reaffirming the nation’s
commitment to its global African family. But as the celebrations fade and the ink dries on
citizenship certificates, a pressing question emerges: After settlement, what next?
The answer lies in a multifaceted approach that requires a deliberate, strategic, and inclusive framework. One that requires a constant fixing to Ghana’s root through involvement in national affairs, political inclusions, local productions, cultural immersions, and more to be discussed. This article explores the series of events and initiatives that must lay the groundwork for a thriving diasporan settlement in Ghana.

The Diaspora’s Economic Footprint in Real Estate
Since the early waves of repatriation, Diasporans have made significant investments in housing, developing gated communities and luxury estates that have attracted foreigners and boosted the property market. The most visible contribution of diasporans has been their investment in real estate. Since the launch of the “Year of Return,” diasporans have poured millions of dollars into Ghana’s property market, attracting foreign interest and boosting the construction industry. According to a 2022 report by the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), diasporan investments accounted for a 15% increase in high-end residential developments in Accra and Kumasi. The investment goes a long way to raise the standard for housing prices which almost seemed to be a scattered interest for the average Ghanaian to afford. The sequence of investment in the real estate industry hiked over others and its commitment grew to attract more investors to pour millions of dollars into Ghana’s property market, attracting foreign interest and boosting the construction industry. But what if the same commitment is extended to the tech industry, agriculture, and other sectors of economic growth?

Beyond Settlement
While settlement and investment in real estate is commendable, there is an urgent need to transition from settlement to local citizenship and diversifying real estate investments to other sectors.
In transiting from settlement to local citizenship, the impact of the diasporan is felt within the cultural context of both Ghanaian and African practices. At the heart of this mission is the Diaspora Engagement Policy, a comprehensive framework designed to harness the potential of diasporans for national development. This policy outlines key areas of collaboration, including economic investment, skills transfer, and cultural exchange. Beyond economics, true settlement must embrace political inclusion. Many diasporans who have obtained citizenship still feel like outsiders in decision-making spaces. Ghana must create pathways for political participation, whether through diaspora representation in parliament, advisory roles, or voting rights. Equally, there must be a strong cultural reintegration program that moves beyond tourism to genuine community belonging. Political engagement ensures that diasporans have a voice in shaping the nation’s future. It also fosters a sense of belonging and accountability, reducing the likelihood of return migration. For example, a diasporan with expertise in public health could collaborate with the Ministry of Health to design policies that improve healthcare delivery in rural areas. Diasporans have a unique opportunity to amplify African voices on the global stage. By actively participating in initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063, diasporans can advocate for policies that promote continental integration, peace, and trade liberalisation like the AFCFTA. Their dual perspective rooted in both their African heritage and global experiences could position them as powerful ambassadors for Africa’s aspirations. They can influence international perceptions of Africa by showcasing Ghana’s success stories through platforms like social media, documentaries, and academic publications.

The Next Frontier: Tech and Innovation Investments
Ghana’s burgeoning startup ecosystem presents immense opportunities, yet it struggles with funding gaps. A diaspora-driven investment framework could be the bridge. Diasporans have showcased the property industry to the world through expo, video logs and commercials. However, the future demands investment in digital transformation. A case study from Nigeria shows that diaspora remittances contributed to the growth of fintech giants such as Flutterwave and Paystack, companies that now dominate Africa’s digital payment space. Ghana, with its dynamic youth and thriving digital economy, is primed for similar success. If close to an average of 50% diasporans could channel their resources into tech startups through investments and sponsored exhibitions, Ghana’s position as a technological powerhouse would be solidified and this could lead to increased job creation, knowledge
transfer, and global collaborations. The government will begin to accept the views of the youth in initiating tech policies like AI.

Final reminder
The return to Ghana is not merely a journey home; it is a commitment to a shared destiny. The next phase must be about sustained engagement—investing in Ghanaian industries, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering generational wealth through structured economic programs. The diaspora must not only return but remain, reinvest, and rebuild. The vision is clear: a future where diasporans are not just visitors or settlers, but active architects of Ghana and Africa’s progress.
The question remains: After settlement, what next? The answer lies in collective action, strategic investment, and unwavering commitment to the promise of a united Africa.