7 Reasons Why Many People in the African Diaspora Are Repatriating to Ghana

Land of New Opportunity Unlike Silicon Valley, businesses in Ghana are very interested in adding Blacks who live in America with interest and talent in technology. Companies like Blogging Ghana have built a strong social media global platform, making it a viable employment landing place. These firms are interested in changing an ever-emerging industry, meaning the opportunity is there to be a part of something bold and aggressive. Also, English is the official language in Ghana, so there are prime opportunities for teachers. Cultural Connectivity African-Americans move to Ghana to experience the heart-warming personal pride that comes with living in the Motherland that they cannot get anywhere else in the world. “Once you accept it as your home, why wouldn’t you stay in your home?” Jimmy Thorne, a Black man who moved to Accra from North Carolina eight years ago, said to The Christian Science Monitor. “This is where we come from originally, so maybe that’s why we’re here ... Divine providence.” Financial, Political Stability Neighboring countries' instability has helped to stabilize Ghana and bolt it to the forefront as a viable alternative for Blacks in America seeking an African experience in a stable, safe environment. There is no civil unrest, so there are no fears of conflict or uprisings that could tear apart the country, according to whosworld.org. Lifestyle Advantages The coast of Ghana is breathtakingly beautiful, with gorgeous white sand beaches that offer a wonderful respite from everyday life most people seek. Expatarrivals.com points out that there also are luxury hotels on the oceans that are inviting and offer scenic views and first-rate restaurants. The blizzards that pounded the U.S. Northeast and Midwest and other evidence of global warming or drastic climate change are not factors in Ghana, afkinsider.com says. The weather ranges year-round from 82 degrees to 100 degrees — a sun-lover’s paradise. Friendly People The people are welcoming, and the country has developed a level of stability, expatarrivals.com says, meaning, “You’ll be living among a people who are just as excited to get to know you as you are to know them. Ghanaians are very hospitable, which makes it easy to make friends and quickly build a network, which is ultimately the key to survival. Those from the Diaspora will enjoy making a life in a place that will make them feel connected and celebrated in a way that they probably don’t fully enjoy in the West as so-called ‘minorities.’” The Ability to Grow Many African-Americans move to Ghana in retirement because they can live comfortably off their Social Security checks, and they can start charities to help in the many areas needed there. “Wherever it is that we find ourselves, in Africa is where we should be," says Imahkus Okofu to csmonitor.com. Okofu moved to Ghana from New York City 24 years ago and now runs a health spa and has authored books on repatriation. “Whether we come from Sierra Leone or Ghana, or wherever," he said, "we are the result of the transatlantic and European slave trade.” Chiefs and other political leaders have made citizenship to those originally from the Diaspora less difficult to secure. Ghana Accepts African Diaspora With Open Arms While the African Union and African nongovernmental organizations are also working to lure African descendants abroad back to the continent, Ghana is leading the way. In 2012, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Muhammad Mumuni spoke at the first Global African Diaspora summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, telling the audience his government had given a “right of abode” in Ghana to any person of African descent from the Diaspora. This includes the right to enter the country without a visa, to remain indefinitely and to work there without the usual work permit. The Ghanaian government has offered an official apology for Ghana's role in the transatlantic slave trade and there is reportedly free land set aside for individuals from the Diaspora.

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