Mahama engages Ghanaian diaspora in New York on economic recovery, investment and digital media

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has engaged Ghanaians living in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut at a Presidential Town Hall Meeting in New York, using the forum to discuss Ghana’s economic recovery, diaspora investment and the growing challenges surrounding digital media.

The meeting, held on September 25, formed part of President Mahama’s engagements with the Ghanaian diaspora during his participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The town hall provided an opportunity for Ghanaians in the United States to interact directly with the President and raise issues concerning Ghana’s development.

Diaspora investment

A major focus of the engagement was the role Ghanaians abroad can play in Ghana’s economic transformation. President Mahama urged the diaspora to move beyond sending remittances to relatives and consider long-term investments that can create jobs, generate wealth and support national development.

According to the Information Services Department, Ghana received a record US$7.8 billion in diaspora remittances, which the President described as an important pillar of the economy. He said government was developing a framework that would allow Ghanaians abroad to invest through structured investment portfolios designed to provide greater security and returns.

The President has also emphasized the importance of creating an environment in which investment, technology and productive enterprise can contribute to economic growth. During a separate US-Ghana business engagement in New York, he pointed to opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, technology and other productive sectors.

Economic recovery

President Mahama highlighted what his administration describes as progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding confidence in Ghana’s economy.

At his engagement with the US business community, he cited 6% economic growth in 2025 and 6.4% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, while stressing that economic stability should ultimately translate into increased production, exports, employment and opportunities for businesses.

The government has also established an Independent Fiscal Council as part of efforts to strengthen fiscal oversight and sustain economic reforms.

Call for dialogue on digital media regulation

Another significant issue raised during the town hall was the increasing influence of TikTok and other new media platforms.

President Mahama called for a national stakeholder dialogue on how Ghana should approach digital media regulation, particularly issues involving misinformation, online hate speech and information integrity, while protecting freedom of expression.

He urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to help convene a national forum where stakeholders can discuss questions around regulation, enforcement and the appropriate role of institutions such as the police.

The President acknowledged that the challenge is not unique to Ghana, noting that countries around the world are grappling with how to manage rapidly changing digital platforms while preserving the benefits of open communication.

Diaspora as a development partner

The New York town hall therefore went beyond a traditional political engagement, placing emphasis on the diaspora’s potential contribution to Ghana’s economic and social development.

For Ghanaians abroad, the President’s message was that their contribution can extend beyond remittances to include investment, expertise, technology, partnerships and business development.

The discussions also underscored the continuing need for national conversation on how Ghana responds to technological change, particularly as social media becomes an increasingly influential source of information and public debate.

The engagement formed part of President Mahama’s wider programme in New York, which included diplomatic meetings, economic engagements and activities on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly.

For Ghana, the challenge now is to translate the economic recovery being highlighted by government into sustained investment, job creation and broader opportunities, while ensuring that any approach to digital regulation balances accountability with the protection of legitimate expression.