Remittance inflows to Ghana continue to play a significant role in supporting households and contributing to national income, yet their full potential for driving long term development remains underutilised. This was highlighted by the Director of Research at the National Development Planning Commission, Mr. Richard Tweneboah Koduah, at the opening of a capacity building workshop in Accra organised in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NDPC, Mr. Tweneboah Koduah noted that while billions of dollars are received annually from Ghanaians living abroad, a large share of these funds is directed towards immediate consumption rather than productive investment. He stressed the need for deliberate policy actions to channel remittances into sectors that can promote job creation, enterprise development, and economic transformation.

He indicated that approximately 1.7 million Ghanaians reside outside the country, with their contributions continuing to support education, health, and livelihoods. Remittances, he added, account for nearly 7 percent of Gross Domestic Product and have remained resilient even during periods of global economic uncertainty, in some instances exceeding foreign direct investment and official development assistance.

The three-day workshop is aimed at strengthening the integration of migration and diaspora contributions into national and sub-national development planning. According to Mr. Tweneboah Koduah, recent assessments show that migration issues are not consistently reflected in sectoral, regional, and district development plans, highlighting the need for a more coordinated approach.

To address these gaps, NDPC and UNECA have developed practical toolkits to guide policymakers and planners in incorporating migration dynamics into development frameworks. The workshop is expected to equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to better align planning processes with migration realities.

A representative from UNECA, Mr. M. Amadou Diouf, emphasised that remittances must be treated as a strategic pillar within national development frameworks. He noted that Ghana is part of a broader multi country initiative across Africa that promotes shared learning and the exchange of best practices in migration and development.

The workshop, running from 21 to 23 April, 2026 in Accra, has brought together government officials, development partners, and technical experts to strengthen Ghana’s migration and development framework.