BoG pushes ‘Remit2Invest’ agenda as Ghana’s remittances hit $7.8bn, surpass FDI
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, has outlined a strategic policy shift to transform remittance inflows into a major source of investment capital, following a sharp rise in diaspora transfers to Ghana.
Speaking at the maiden “Central Bank Bridge: Remit2Invest” roundtable held in Virginia, United States, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Governor revealed that Ghana recorded nearly $7.8 billion in remittance inflows by the end of 2025. This marks a significant increase from about $4.6 billion in 2024 and underscores the growing importance of diaspora funds to the country’s economy.
According to him, remittances now account for roughly six percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product and have surpassed foreign direct investment, positioning them as a central pillar of the country’s external sector.
A key message from the Governor’s address was the need to fundamentally rethink how remittances are utilised within the economy.
Traditionally, a large share of remittance inflows has been directed toward household consumption, including housing, education and daily expenses. While these uses support livelihoods, they offer limited long-term capital formation.
Dr Asiama emphasised a deliberate transition toward investment-driven flows.
“Unlocking this full potential requires a deliberate transition—from consumption-driven remittances to investment-oriented diaspora capital flows,” he stated.
Under this framework, the central bank aims to channel remittances into productive sectors such as government securities, small and medium-sized enterprises, fintech, real estate and infrastructure.
The Governor linked the renewed focus on remittance mobilisation to recent improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic environment.
He pointed to easing inflation, a more stable exchange rate and stronger gross international reserves as signs of recovery and policy effectiveness. These developments, he noted, are critical to restoring investor confidence and creating a predictable economic framework.
“Our macroeconomic framework has been recalibrated to ensure stability, predictability and investor confidence,” he said.
The relative stability of the cedi and improved liquidity management, according to the Governor, provide the necessary conditions for attracting diaspora investment beyond traditional remittance channels.
Beyond financial inflows, Dr Asiama framed the Ghanaian diaspora as a multidimensional asset with broader economic relevance.
He identified three key roles:
- Foreign Exchange Source: Sustained inflows help stabilise the external sector
- Technology and Innovation Transfer: Diaspora networks facilitate knowledge exchange and digital innovation
- Access to Global Capital: Diaspora communities act as bridges to international investment markets
This positioning elevates diaspora engagement from a passive inflow mechanism to an active component of national development strategy.
At the centre of this strategy is the “Remit2Invest” initiative, which seeks to formalise and optimise remittance channels.
The programme is designed to:
- Integrate remittance flows into the formal financial system
- Provide structured investment pathways for diaspora funds
- Enhance transparency, efficiency and returns for investors
Dr Asiama disclosed that the central bank is working with key ministries and agencies to operationalise this framework, ensuring that diaspora investors can seamlessly access opportunities in Ghana.
Source: 3news.com by Publishing Desk
