Ghana is leveraging migration, remittances, and diaspora partnerships as strategic drivers of national development, the Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, has said.
Speaking at the International Migration Review Forum 2026 in New York City, Dr. Smock Amoah outlined how Ghana is integrating migration and diaspora issues into its national planning systems to advance the United Nations Global Compact for Migration (GCM).
She addressed the forum during a side event co-organised with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
The event, themed “Remittances and Diaspora Contributions to Achieve the Global Compact for Migration Goals in Africa,” brought together government officials, development partners, academics, and civil society representatives to examine how migration can support inclusive growth across the continent.
Dr. Smock Amoah disclosed that remittance inflows to Ghana reached approximately US$7.8 billion in 2025, equivalent to nearly 6% of Gross Domestic Product. She said the inflows continue to support household welfare, reduce poverty, and strengthen economic stability.
She attributed the growing use of formal remittance channels to improved macroeconomic conditions, including lower inflation, a more stable currency, and a stronger financial sector, which have increased public confidence in regulated financial systems.
According to Dr. Smock Amoah, migration, remittances, and diaspora engagement have been mainstreamed into Ghana’s _Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies.
These priorities are being operationalized through the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework under the theme _“Resetting Ghana Agenda: Creating Jobs, Ensuring Accountability and Promoting Shared Prosperity.”
She added that Ghana’s _National Implementation Plan on the Global Compact for Migration (2025–2027)_ outlines six priority areas: diaspora engagement and remittances, labour migration, border management, return and reintegration, and anti-trafficking measures.
The side event formed part of the broader International Migration Review Forum 2026, which assesses global progress on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration adopted in 2018.
Dr. Smock Amoah said Ghana’s approach demonstrates how developing countries can turn migration into an asset for development by creating policy coherence, strengthening financial infrastructure, and deepening engagement with diaspora communities.
The forum continues in New York as member states review commitments and share best practices on managing migration for sustainable development.
