Accra, Ghana – On 25 July 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), held a National Dialogue on the opportunities for collaboration with the Ghanaian diaspora to advance climate action in Ghana. As part of the Diaspora for Climate Action (D4C) project, which is funded by the IOM Development Fund, participating stakeholders started the development of a plan of action that will enable the Ghanaian diaspora in the UK to better contribute to climate action in their country of origin, identifying key climate challenges that diasporas and governments share, and possible initiatives to foster collaboration between diasporas and governments on identified climate challenges.

“The role of the diaspora cannot be overstated. Our fellow citizens domiciled abroad are recognized as an integral part of the process and should be onboarded in the fight to curb the tides of climate change and rebuild resilient and sustainable ecosystems that provide inclusive opportunities to our young ones,” said Hon. John Kobina Sanie, Deputy Minister of Energy.

The Ghanaian diaspora is already involved in sectors such as energy, agriculture, forestry, and waste management. The diaspora can offer valuable financial and technical expertise, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships to advance climate action priorities in Ghana.

“Climate change is impacting the lives and livelihoods of people around the world, including in Ghana. It is one of the greatest challenges of our time, requiring urgent collective action. Diaspora members are agents of innovation in our countries of residence and origin, and we have the knowledge, skills, and global connections that are crucial to accelerate climate action in our countries of origin,” said Amtu Akumfi-Ameyaw, UK-based Ghanaian Diaspora Climate Champion.

The dialogue brought together government officials, diaspora representatives, and other national and local actors engaged in climate action. It provided a platform to share insights, discuss challenges, and identify actionable steps to enhance diaspora contributions to climate action in Ghana. The event was an opportunity for diasporas to share ideas of climate initiatives that they want to implement in their home country.

Prior to the National Dialogue, a case study was carried out by IOM that identified the opportunities and challenges for UK-based Ghanaian diaspora to contribute to climate action in Ghana.

“We’re confident that this project and today’s national dialogue will strongly contribute to finding concrete actions to strengthen the role of the Ghanian diaspora in climate action in Ghana and to adopt integrated approaches that will address environmental, economic, social, and governance actions to achieve sustainable and inclusive development outcomes in the face of climate change impacts,” said Giulia Piccioni, Project Development & Donor Liaison Officer at IOM Ghana, on behalf of Chief of Mission, Fatou Diallo Ndiaye.

The UK is home to a large Ghanaian diaspora community. Aware of this community’s enormous untapped potential, IOM, Government and Diaspora have been working to connect Ghanaian diaspora members based in the UK with key stakeholders in their home country, and to support more effective and coordinated climate action and longer-lasting solutions for climate-vulnerable populations. The consultations are timely since the Government of Ghana launched its Diaspora Engagement Policy in December 2023, a major milestone in the country’s efforts to reap the benefits of diaspora engagement for national development.

Ama K. Abebrese, IOM Ghana’s Goodwill Ambassador and Ghanaian-British actress and film producer, attended the event to encourage the stakeholders to keep up the crucial work. “Having made important contributions in my area – the creative industries – I know of the power of diaspora contributions. Diasporas are keen to give back to their communities of origine. With the right frameworks, we can be real agents of change, including in the fight against climate change.”

Going forward, Ghanaian diasporas involved in the D4C project are looking to implement a waste management initiative in Ghana. They hope that the improved relations resulting from the D4C project consultations will benefit the successful progress of this and other projects.

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The Diaspora for Climate Action (D4C) project is funded by IOM Development Fund, working with IOM missions and relevant ministries in four countries - Jamaica, Ghana, Bangladesh and the Republic of Moldova, and contributes to government efforts to address the adverse impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development.

These four countries are significantly affected by the negative impacts of climate change, and the challenges they face require immediate and effective responses and mobilization of resources from a variety of stakeholders.

D4C aims to create a model for other countries to promote the unique role diaspora can play in shaping national climate action policies and interventions alongside governments and other actors.

More information on the D4C project is available here.

For more information contact:

In Accra: Giulia Piccioni, Project Development & Donor Liaison Officer, at gpiccioni@iom.int  

In London: Martina Castiglioni, Programmes Assistant, mcastiglioni@iom.int