The John Dramani Mahama government is considering the introduction of a Diaspora National Service programme that would give young Ghanaians raised abroad the opportunity to spend time in Ghana to reconnect with their roots and gain a deeper understanding of the country.
The proposal was announced by the Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere-Darko, during the maiden Ghana Diaspora Students Forum (GDSF), which was held virtually on Saturday, July 11.
According to him, the proposed programme would allow participants to spend about two months in Ghana, where they would experience the country’s culture, institutions and everyday life before returning to their countries of residence.
He explained that the initiative forms part of government’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with the Ghanaian diaspora, especially students, whom he described as an important part of the country’s future.
“You are part of Ghana’s future workforce, future leadership and future global network,” he told participants.
Mr Okyere-Darko said the aim is not necessarily to persuade Ghanaian students living abroad to relocate permanently after completing their studies, but to ensure they maintain strong links with the country wherever they choose to build their careers.
He added that government wants diaspora engagement to go beyond cultural celebrations by creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, investment and professional collaboration between Ghanaians abroad and institutions at home.
As part of efforts to create opportunities for young people, he pointed to the National Apprenticeship Programme, which enrolled 10,000 apprentices in 2025 and is expected to expand to 100,000 beneficiaries.
The forum, organised by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS)-Germany in partnership with NUGS-UK and NUGS-China, brought together Ghanaian students, academics and development partners from Europe, Asia and North America under the theme, “Pathways, Ecosystems and Diaspora as Development.”
Entrepreneur and founder of the Young Professionals Business Network, Pastor Daniel Amoateng, encouraged participants to remain intentional about the choices they make throughout their academic and professional lives.
“Decisions decide destiny,” he said, urging students to build strong professional networks and identify sectors where they can make meaningful contributions.
He also underscored the importance of mentorship, citing the relationship between Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Pan-Africanist George Padmore as an example of how strategic guidance can shape leadership.
The discussions also focused on scholarships, skills development and career opportunities available to Ghanaian students overseas.
Project Manager for Skills Development and TVET at the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK Ghana), Daniel Taylor, encouraged students in Germany to take advantage of the country’s dual vocational training system and the African Skills for Germany initiative.
Former President of the Ghana Students Association in Hungary, Abdul-Manaf Rabiu, highlighted scholarship opportunities available through Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum programme, while Oxford alumna Elizabeth Dansoa Osei encouraged students in the United Kingdom to consider careers in the British Civil Service.
Representatives of the Ghana-NRW University Alliance and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Ghana also outlined scholarship and leadership development opportunities available to young Ghanaians.
Closing the event, NUGS-Germany President Patrick Sarpong said a communiqué containing recommendations from the forum would be shared with participants and relevant institutions.
He described the maiden Ghana Diaspora Students Forum as the beginning of a long-term platform to strengthen collaboration between Ghanaian students abroad and stakeholders back home, with organisers hoping the initiative will become a regular event.
