The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States of America at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., as part of her official working visit to the United States.
The engagement formed part of the Minister’s participation in activities associated with Ghana Fest USA, being held in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
Hon. Ocloo, who was accompanied by members of her delegation, expressed her appreciation to His Excellency the Ambassador for his dedicated service to Ghana and for the warm reception extended to her delegation.
Speaking on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), the people of the Greater Accra Region and the people of Shai-Osudoku, the Minister outlined key priorities of the Regional Coordinating Council and the broader development vision of the Government under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama.
The engagement focused on two strategic priorities:
- RESETTING GREATER ACCRA
Hon. Ocloo briefed the Ambassador on the ongoing efforts to reposition Greater Accra as a cleaner, safer, more resilient and investment-ready region.
She highlighted key interventions, including:
- The reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day as part of renewed efforts to address sanitation and waste-management challenges.
- Intensified flood-mitigation measures, including improvements to drainage infrastructure and the removal of structures and encroachments obstructing waterways.
- The restoration and expansion of streetlighting infrastructure across the region to enhance public safety, security and visibility.
- Strengthened collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and other stakeholders to improve service delivery and urban management.
The Minister emphasised that the vision for Greater Accra goes beyond addressing immediate challenges. It is about building a region that is clean, secure, climate-resilient and economically vibrant, while creating an enabling environment for businesses, investment and job creation.
- GHANA At 70: A HOMECOMING, PARTNERSHIP AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Minister also used the engagement to formally brief the Embassy on preparations towards Ghana @ 70, the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
She described the milestone not merely as an occasion for celebration, but as an opportunity for national reflection, reconnection and renewal, as well as a platform to deepen Ghana’s partnership with its citizens and friends across the world.
Hon. Ocloo extended an invitation to Ghanaians in the diaspora, particularly those in the United States, as well as friends of Ghana, to return home, reconnect with their heritage, celebrate Ghana’s journey and explore opportunities to invest in the country’s future.
She noted that Greater Accra, as Ghana’s gateway and principal economic hub, will occupy a central position in the anniversary celebrations and must be strategically positioned to translate the occasion into meaningful developmental opportunities.
As part of efforts to institutionalise and deepen diaspora engagement, the Minister disclosed that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council is establishing a dedicated Diaspora Desk to facilitate structured engagement, partnerships and investment between the Region and Ghanaians abroad.
The platform will seek to promote collaboration and investment in priority areas, including sanitation and waste management, affordable housing, youth employment, skills development and other strategic areas of regional development.
Hon. Ocloo stressed that Ghana’s diaspora should be regarded not only as a source of remittances, but as a strategic development partner, with considerable expertise, knowledge, technology, networks, innovation and investment capital capable of contributing significantly to Ghana’s transformation.
The Ambassador commended the Minister for her proactive approach to diaspora engagement and welcomed the initiative to establish a structured platform for sustained collaboration.
He assured the Minister of the Embassy’s support in mobilising Ghanaians in the United States to participate in Ghana Fest USA and the broader Ghana @ 70 homecoming and investment agenda.
The Minister will, as part of her continued engagements in the United States, interact with members of the Ghanaian community, diaspora organisations and business leaders to advance the call for partnership, investment and a renewed connection with Ghana.
