The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has called on Africans living abroad to drive the continent’s economic transformation by investing in businesses and productive sectors rather than relying solely on remittances.
Speaking at the Africa Rising Symposium in London, Gyamfi said Africa’s long-term prosperity would depend on meaningful investments that create jobs, strengthen industries and promote sustainable economic growth.
Addressing participants on the theme, “The Growing Relationship Between Africa and Its Global Diaspora and Why This Movement Matters,” he noted that the African diaspora possesses significant financial resources, technical expertise and global networks that can help unlock the continent’s economic potential when channelled into productive ventures.
Drawing a distinction between remittances and long-term development, he said, “Remittances are lifelines, but investments build self-sustaining engines. Remittances help households survive, but investments help economies transform.”
Mr Gyamfi encouraged members of the diaspora to invest in key sectors capable of accelerating industrialisation and economic expansion, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, infrastructure and renewable energy.
He also urged professionals abroad to contribute through mentorship, innovation and skills transfer.
He stressed that Africa’s development must be anchored on greater ownership of its resources and strategic partnerships that deliver lasting value.
The GoldBod CEO further commended President John Dramani Mahama for implementing policies aimed at strengthening Ghana’s economy, increasing local participation in strategic industries and creating an enabling environment for responsible foreign investment.
Concluding his address, Gyamfi called for renewed commitment among Africans across the world to support the continent’s development, declaring, “Fellow Africans, Africa is rising. Let Africans rise with her.”
