Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi Urges Diaspora Investment as Ghana Advances Economic Empowerment and Digital Infrastructure

Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, has issued a strategic call to the African diaspora to transition from traditional remittances toward direct investments in key sectors of the continent’s economy. Speaking at the Africa Rising Symposium in London, Gyamfi emphasized that strategic investment in manufacturing, information technology, and renewable energy is essential for sustainable value creation and long-term prosperity. He lauded President John Mahama’s administration for initiatives aimed at enhancing local ownership and attracting foreign investment, specifically highlighting ongoing efforts to formalize the gold trade and eliminate smuggling to protect Ghana’s natural wealth. This vision for economic transformation is being mirrored at the local level through targeted social interventions and infrastructure developments. In the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, the local government has taken significant steps to empower 45 persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing the capital and tools necessary to launch income-generating businesses. Municipal Chief Executive Wisdom Osei Boamah oversaw the distribution of GH₵60,000 in capital, along with GH₵21,500 for training and equipment such as deep freezers and laptops. This initiative aims to move vulnerable populations away from dependency and toward economic independence, aligning with the broader national goal of inclusive growth. To support this burgeoning business environment, the National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to modernize identity management with the launch of its first 24-hour Prestige Centre in Labone, Accra, on August 1, 2026. This fee-based facility will offer continuous access to Ghana Card registration and identity services, providing a critical resource for both local entrepreneurs and the diaspora investors Gyamfi is courting. By enhancing the efficiency of identity verification, the NIA aims to facilitate smoother business transactions and support the formalization of the economy, which remains a cornerstone of the current government's developmental agenda. However, the push for legitimate economic growth and international investment faces challenges from illicit activities that damage the nation's reputation. Highlighting the need for the integrity measures championed by the Gold Board, a Ghanaian national, Nana Takyiwa Adonu, was recently sentenced to six years in a United States federal prison for her role in a $1.6 million romance scam. Such cases underscore the importance of Gyamfi’s call for formalized trade and robust policy frameworks to ensure that Ghanaian talent and resources are channeled into productive, legal enterprises that contribute to the nation’s standing in the global marketplace.