An organisation dedicated to harnessing the intellectual, professional, entrepreneurial, financial and cultural resources of Ghanaians living abroad has been officially launched in Washington, D.C., to support Ghana’s national development agenda.
Known as Region17Gh, the nonprofit organisation was launched under the auspices of the Embassy of Ghana in the United States with the goal of creating a structured platform to connect Ghana’s diaspora with opportunities to contribute to sustainable economic and social transformation.
Registered in the United States with a 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption status, Region17Gh seeks to leverage the expertise, innovation, investments and global networks of Ghanaians abroad to advance development initiatives in Ghana.
The initiative was launched on Thursday, July 30, 2026, under the theme: “Harnessing the Power of the Diaspora to Transform Ghana’s Future.”
Speaking at the launch in Washington, D.C., Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith, emphasised the importance of diaspora participation in Ghana’s development, stating that a nation’s strength lies not only in its natural resources but also in its ability to harness the talents of its people globally.
“Every successful national transformation has been powered by partnership: government, private enterprise, civil society, academia and the diaspora,” he said.
Ambassador Smith described Ghanaians abroad as one of the country’s greatest assets, noting that Ghana’s most valuable resource has always been its people.
He described Region17Gh as “an invitation to dream together, build together, invest together and rise together” in pursuit of Ghana’s economic transformation.
He added that the initiative aligns with his vision of strengthening partnerships between Ghana and its citizens abroad, providing a practical platform for diaspora engagement in national development efforts.
The Ambassador was subsequently named the Lifetime Patron of Region17Gh.
Executive Director of Region17Gh, Mrs. Maabena Ohene-Kena Webb, said the organisation was founded on the principles of trust, transparency, collaboration and measurable impact.
“Region17Gh is a platform built on trust, transparency, collaboration and measurable impact. It is a commitment to move beyond conversations to action and meaningful engagement,” she stated.
Mrs. Webb explained that the initiative was inspired by President John Dramani Mahama’s description of the Ghanaian diaspora as Ghana’s “17th Region” during the Diaspora Summit in Accra.
She urged Ghanaians across the world to unite and contribute their skills, resources, networks and expertise towards Ghana’s socio-economic development through innovation, investment, knowledge transfer and strategic partnerships.
The launch brought together members of the Ghanaian diaspora, business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps and development partners.
Notable attendees included Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Mr. Seth Terkper; Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Honourable John Dumelo; and United States Senator Michael B. Mitchell.
Region17Gh is expected to become a major platform for strengthening Ghana-diaspora relations, promoting investment, facilitating knowledge exchange and building partnerships that will contribute to Ghana’s long-term development.
Source: citinews
