The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (born Kelvin Nii Tackie Abia), on December 19, 2025, opened the 2025 Diaspora Summit, highlighting the theme "Resetting Ghana - The Diaspora as the 17th Region" in a passionate and visionary address.

The two-day summit held in Accra brought together global leaders and stakeholders to strategise the Ghanaian diaspora’s role in national development.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, delivering remarks at the summit, described the diaspora as a driving force for economic growth, cultural exchange, and national pride.

"The repatriation debate is not just an emotional matter; it is also an issue related to historical fact, international morality, and economic justice," he stated.

He added, "If you seek justice, you must also embrace the truth. The truth demands that African traditional leaders acknowledge a difficult reality: some of our ancestors, chiefs, warriors, and intermediaries participated in the enabling aspects of slavery."

He also highlighted the diaspora’s contributions through remittances, investments, and the transfer of skills and knowledge, envisioning a collaborative future where Ghana and its global community work hand in hand.

"The motives behind those actions may have been shaped by the geopolitical pressures of their time, but the consequences were devastating and continue to be felt today," he shared.

The Ga Mantse emphasised recognising the diaspora not just as contributors but as integral partners in Ghana's progress.

"As the Ga Mantse, I must state openly, on behalf of all traditional leadership in the ancient Ga Kingdoms and in the Ga-Adangbe State, my solidarity with all custodians of Ghanaian and African heritage. We must acknowledge this painful truth and express regret and apologise for any roles our forebears may have played in these tragedies," he noted.

The Ga Mantse continued, "For those who have died, this humility does not weaken our demand for repatriation; it strengthens it. But true justice must be grounded in honesty, not denial. True reconciliation must rest on truth, not silence. The path to repatriation must be built upon shared accountability, not selective memory."

The summit’s theme, "Resetting Ghana," reflects a commitment to national renewal, positioning the diaspora as the “17th Region” and central to Ghana’s development strategies.

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🚨⛵️: As Chairperson of the Diaspora Summit 2025, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II delivered an inspiring address on the theme “Resetting Ghana - The Diaspora as the 17th Region.”

📍Maamli #auntiededei #ga #ghana #culture #dedeinews #dedeimusic #dedeisports #nigeria pic.twitter.com/SH8UN9bkxB

— Auntiededei (@auntiededei) December 20, 2025