This is a very good policy, considering some $20 billion was remitted to Ghana at one point. Unfortunately, it will be a very tough sell, considering the level of corruption in the public sector, the government functionaries ... read full comment
This is a very good policy, considering some $20 billion was remitted to Ghana at one point. Unfortunately, it will be a very tough sell, considering the level of corruption in the public sector, the government functionaries, and political party leaders in particular.
Who would want to take such a risk? Corruption in Nigeria is a norm; not much being done to stop it. Kenya, Ghana, et al, have fallen victims to corrupt officials rigging elections. Officials in Ghana allowing citizens of other countries to vote, to tip the scale in their favour. Do you want me to ask such a person to use my little money for a supposed national interest? Sorry
Aunty 11 years ago
I agree with you Kwabena. Who want to invest in a country where corruption is rampart, especially, among the very people elected to make the laws.
I agree with you Kwabena. Who want to invest in a country where corruption is rampart, especially, among the very people elected to make the laws.
Akosua Faibille 11 years ago
There is no net benefit in emigration of a country's best human resource assets in exchange paltry remittances back home to family members. as a source of foreign currency earnings by governments, it sill does not compensate ... read full comment
There is no net benefit in emigration of a country's best human resource assets in exchange paltry remittances back home to family members. as a source of foreign currency earnings by governments, it sill does not compensate to the human and social capital flight. Think again. We need to promote patriotism and establish sound and effect public administration and effective public management systems. Public sectors are weak, effective, highly discriminatory, lack accountability and is and highly corrupt. Correct these and retain the human capital with sound national policies and practices.
Kwabena 11 years ago
Akosua, you missed it. There is a huge benefit. Those "paltry remittances" do make an impact. Just imagine this scenario.
Assuming you send $1000.00 to your mum. She will obviously spend some of the money, if not all. ... read full comment
Akosua, you missed it. There is a huge benefit. Those "paltry remittances" do make an impact. Just imagine this scenario.
Assuming you send $1000.00 to your mum. She will obviously spend some of the money, if not all. She uses the funds to buy clothing, food, and pay bills (garbage collection, phone units, electricity, etc). The part that goes to the food seller is an income for him/her, same as the garbage service provider, etc. These sellers and service providers can then afford to further spend some money to do their businesses; creating employment, growing the economy. If this macro-activity happens in your situation once a period, imagine the many individuals who do that periodically. Again, the impact is enormous.
Should you send funds by the thousands for a project, you would not believe how many get employed with the funds. I witnessed that, and was amazed. A small amount of $20,000 in Ghana to start a project, saw a net effect of getting 15-20 employed for 3-4 weeks. You will be amazed if you try it.
It is a fact, such funds can be tapped into for national development. However, there is the inherent distrust in our system. No one is expecting 100% honesty, but we cant even say it is 50:50. That is the dilemma.
Abeeku Mensah 11 years ago
Africa does not need remittances from our brothers, sisters and parents in the Diaspora to industrialize; we've always needed principled, intellectually honest and people with wisdom. What the legacy of slavery did to us is w ... read full comment
Africa does not need remittances from our brothers, sisters and parents in the Diaspora to industrialize; we've always needed principled, intellectually honest and people with wisdom. What the legacy of slavery did to us is what God could not do to us even at creation or birth. For God needed his creation to abide by his rules and we could have lived in paradise and we did not obey are acquiesce but slavery was able to make every person with African genes to know and feel deep down every thinking, thought processes and decisions are inferior unless it is approved and or sanctioned by our colonial masters.
Africans especially Sub-Sahara African (SSA) nations have engaged in the overthrow of governments not because we yearn for so-called true democratic values but because we yearn for greed motivated by tribalism and a touch of foolishness. Nigeria went through its Biafra wars because a national government was incapable of the principles of equity and fairness and till this day political leaders steal while people suffer. Ghana went through the 1966 coup because a bunch of yahoos who did not know a thing about realizing a dream through blood, sweat and tears wanted freedom that would come to them without hard work. Since then Ghana has become a nation of tribal parasites who steal and mismanage without conscience. Liberia went through its civil war because of tribal folly of the direct descendants of slaves from America thinking they're better than the Liberian indigenes. Ivory Coast went through its turmoil because some dare to be ruled by others they tribally abhorred. This is the story of Africa especially SSA nations. In the meantime we have sold enough mineral and natural resources to fuel any industrialization Africa would ever need. How many readers in Africa think if roles were reversed and Europeans lived on the continent of Africa with an all year sunlight and all God gave us they would have waited on some Africans in the northern hemisphere to develop? We are African because we have never been able to accept ideas from within; we are and do live like crabs dragging each other down without thinking or being principled. You think all those in the Diaspora cannot see? Why then do they take up government positions in their respective nations of birth only to screw things up royally and run back to the Diaspora to enjoy their loot?
Joy 11 years ago
Abeeku right on!!!
Abeeku right on!!!
natty 11 years ago
Abeeku you are right? I wish any ghanaians think like you. when it cae to intellectual thinking there are no stupid comments.
Abeeku you are right? I wish any ghanaians think like you. when it cae to intellectual thinking there are no stupid comments.
Truth-Be-Told USA Soul Brother 11 years ago
Corruption, tribalism and bribery has keep Africa crippled for far too long. Even the animals are being wiped out by poor Africans selling them off to Asian and Middle Eastern countries for peanuts. Africans contunue to think ... read full comment
Corruption, tribalism and bribery has keep Africa crippled for far too long. Even the animals are being wiped out by poor Africans selling them off to Asian and Middle Eastern countries for peanuts. Africans contunue to think POOR both in Africa and when living outside it. Minds are too, too closed. You too do not appreciate awake blacks born in the diaspora whom wish to help bring Africa up without destroying her culture and traditions!
Africans today make the late one, Chinua Achebe, turn in his grave...the one he just entered in the AfrterLife.
Western Union and Money gram are still pimping the locals with the aid of the corrupt govt officials whom are taking bribes. All so the locals can not do trade with fellow Africans across the continent and in the diaspora outside of Africa.
Dr Maxwell Mkwezalamba, can you tell us why PayPal is not in full function in Africa...Ghana?
Mexicans in the US get big discounts for sending money back to mexico via Money Gram and Western Union. Where is the Africans in the US discount for sending funds to Africa? I am an African American and send over $1,000 a month to african countries to help African families...for many years now.
Too many closed-minds on both sides of the ocean. Let me go try and have a meeting with the plentiful Ghanaian-American organizations in the US, all will reject my meeting. Why? Tribalism and views black Americans are "akata" are beneath them, once they have landed in the US.
Africans like global thinking processes on average and until you recognize the awake blacks of the Americas you will continue to faulter and over-throw each other. Wake up Africa now in this 21st Century. Otherwise, India and China will leave you standing in the shadows of dust.
I see you smiling ancestor, Fela Kuti. I am trying to break-free such colonized minds...zombies.
Truth-Be-Told USA Soul Brother 11 years ago
Corruption, tribalism and bribery has keep Africa crippled for far too long. Even the animals are being wiped out by poor Africans selling them off to Asian and Middle Eastern countries for peanuts (near extinction). Africans ... read full comment
Corruption, tribalism and bribery has keep Africa crippled for far too long. Even the animals are being wiped out by poor Africans selling them off to Asian and Middle Eastern countries for peanuts (near extinction). Africans continue to think POOR both in Africa and when living outside it. Minds are too, too closed, inward. You too do not appreciate awake blacks born in the diaspora whom wish to help bring Africa up without destroying her culture and traditions!
Africans today make the late one, Chinua Achebe, turn in his grave...the one he just entered in the AfrterLife.
Western Union and Money Gram are still pimping the locals with the aid of the corrupt govt officials whom are taking international bribes. All so the locals can not do trade with fellow Africans across the continent and in the diaspora outside of Africa.
Dr Maxwell Mkwezalamba, can you tell us why PayPal is not in full function in Africa...Ghana?
Mexicans in the US get big discounts for sending money back to mexico via Money Gram and Western Union. Where is the Africans in the US discount for sending funds to Africa? I am an African American and send over $1,000 a month to African countries to help African families...for many years now.
Too many closed-minds on both sides of the ocean. Let me go try and have a meeting with the plentiful Ghanaian-American organizations in the US, all will reject my meeting. Why? Tribalism and views black Americans are "akata" or are beneath them, once they have landed in the US.
Africans lack global thinking processes on average and until you recognize the awake blacks of the Americas you will continue to faulter and over-throw each other. Wake up Africa now in this 21st Century. Otherwise, India and China will leave you standing in the shadows of dust.-------
I see you smiling Ancestor, Fela Kuti. I am trying to break-free such colonized minds...zombies...still.
manhyia 11 years ago
Didnt u forget the history of Moses in Egypt ? Moses was an Israelite although he was born in Egypt. Even after hundreds of years of slavery they were still seen as Israelites and not as Egyptians. They went back home to Isra ... read full comment
Didnt u forget the history of Moses in Egypt ? Moses was an Israelite although he was born in Egypt. Even after hundreds of years of slavery they were still seen as Israelites and not as Egyptians. They went back home to Israel the land of milk and honey Israel.
I myself i am an African living in the diaspora. I am connected to africa through my roots. Saying that africans in the diaspora and africans on the continent dont need each other is invalid. PerhaPS U have noticed that many of the commentators here on Ghanaweb are diasporians.
For me being an afican whther from north , south , east, or west is being phsically abused of our african origins.
wala 11 years ago
It would be a worthwhile policy if it means that the diasporans are granted loans at good interest rate to invest in projects back home that speed up development.
It would be a worthwhile policy if it means that the diasporans are granted loans at good interest rate to invest in projects back home that speed up development.
Kwadjoe, London 11 years ago
One reason why Ghanaians send monies home is that our state is failing the citizenery. The institutions are weak.
SSNIT is not coming up with policies that guarantees the survival of the Ghanaian. IRS is not collecting taxe ... read full comment
One reason why Ghanaians send monies home is that our state is failing the citizenery. The institutions are weak.
SSNIT is not coming up with policies that guarantees the survival of the Ghanaian. IRS is not collecting taxes. Auditor General does not care how the states monies are spent. Bank of Ghana policies does not support risk taking within the economy. By the way about 90 percent of Ghanaians living abroad are Cleaner, carwashers. Even Ghana High Commission in the UK does not know the number of Ghanaian passport holders living abroad and does not really care. British immigration is against the Ghanaian despite the favourable balance of trade Ghana have with Britian. Remittances for industrialiation is IMF thinking and it is sad.
nsem pii 11 years ago
GABBAGE. THINK FOLKS ARE FOOLS TO WORK IN FREEZING TEMPERATURE FOR POLITICIANS TO RIDE 4 BY 4,BUILD MANSIONS WHEREAS A PLACE LIKE GHANA LACK PORTABLE WATER AND ELECTRICITY. HOW SICK CAN THAT BE.
GABBAGE. THINK FOLKS ARE FOOLS TO WORK IN FREEZING TEMPERATURE FOR POLITICIANS TO RIDE 4 BY 4,BUILD MANSIONS WHEREAS A PLACE LIKE GHANA LACK PORTABLE WATER AND ELECTRICITY. HOW SICK CAN THAT BE.
This is a very good policy, considering some $20 billion was remitted to Ghana at one point. Unfortunately, it will be a very tough sell, considering the level of corruption in the public sector, the government functionaries ...
read full comment
I agree with you Kwabena. Who want to invest in a country where corruption is rampart, especially, among the very people elected to make the laws.
There is no net benefit in emigration of a country's best human resource assets in exchange paltry remittances back home to family members. as a source of foreign currency earnings by governments, it sill does not compensate ...
read full comment
Akosua, you missed it. There is a huge benefit. Those "paltry remittances" do make an impact. Just imagine this scenario.
Assuming you send $1000.00 to your mum. She will obviously spend some of the money, if not all. ...
read full comment
Africa does not need remittances from our brothers, sisters and parents in the Diaspora to industrialize; we've always needed principled, intellectually honest and people with wisdom. What the legacy of slavery did to us is w ...
read full comment
Abeeku right on!!!
Abeeku you are right? I wish any ghanaians think like you. when it cae to intellectual thinking there are no stupid comments.
Corruption, tribalism and bribery has keep Africa crippled for far too long. Even the animals are being wiped out by poor Africans selling them off to Asian and Middle Eastern countries for peanuts. Africans contunue to think ...
read full comment
Corruption, tribalism and bribery has keep Africa crippled for far too long. Even the animals are being wiped out by poor Africans selling them off to Asian and Middle Eastern countries for peanuts (near extinction). Africans ...
read full comment
Didnt u forget the history of Moses in Egypt ? Moses was an Israelite although he was born in Egypt. Even after hundreds of years of slavery they were still seen as Israelites and not as Egyptians. They went back home to Isra ...
read full comment
It would be a worthwhile policy if it means that the diasporans are granted loans at good interest rate to invest in projects back home that speed up development.
One reason why Ghanaians send monies home is that our state is failing the citizenery. The institutions are weak.
SSNIT is not coming up with policies that guarantees the survival of the Ghanaian. IRS is not collecting taxe ...
read full comment
GABBAGE. THINK FOLKS ARE FOOLS TO WORK IN FREEZING TEMPERATURE FOR POLITICIANS TO RIDE 4 BY 4,BUILD MANSIONS WHEREAS A PLACE LIKE GHANA LACK PORTABLE WATER AND ELECTRICITY. HOW SICK CAN THAT BE.