Survey on Diaspora Engagement Policy of Ghana

The Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, in collaboration with the Centre for Migration Studies (University of Ghana), the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is leading a consultative meeting to discuss Ghana’s Diaspora Engagement Policy with the diaspora community. In this regard, this survey instrument has been developed to gather relevant thoughts on pertinent areas of the policy to ensure that it addresses significant concerns of respective diaspora associations across the divides/nations.

It is important to note that in February 2017, the current Government established a Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President (in addition to the technical Diaspora Affairs unit still attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration). The objective is to emphasise the importance Government places on the contributions of the Ghanaian diaspora to the development of the country.

The survey results will be used purposively (alongside views gathered from the consultative meetings) for revising sections in the draft Diaspora Engagement Policy of Ghana. You are therefore entreated to kindly take your time to read the questions carefully, and provide your responses accordingly and as you deem fit. However, you have the discretion to respond or not to respond to all the questions in this survey. Please note that your responses will not be attributed to you or your associations, but will be treated together with all others as a collective thought towards particular issues raised in the policy. You are not required to disclose your name or identity as you respond to the questions.

Thank you very much in advance for spending time to contribute to shaping Ghana’s diaspora engagement policy, which is intended to support the development of Ghana’s diaspora communities and their participation in national development back home.

**This survey is supported by the MIgration European Union eXpertise (MIEUX) Initiative, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).**

Question Title

* 1. Sex

Male

Female

Question Title

* 2. Age (Age on last birthday)

Question Title

* 3. Highest level of education attained

No education

Primary

Junior High SchoolJHS /Middle school

Vocational/Technical/Commercial

Senior High School/Senior Secondary School/ ‘O’Level

Post-Secondary/Polytechnic/Agric/Nursing

Undergraduate

Post Graduate

Question Title

* 4. Marital status

Never married

Married

Living together/ Co-habiting/Consensual marriage

Separated

Divorced

Widowed

Question Title

* 5. Religious affiliation

Catholic

Presbyterian

Anglican

Methodist

Other Orthodox Christian

Pentecostal/Charismatic

Other Christian

Islamic

Traditionalist

Other religion

No religion

Question Title

* 6. Ethnicity

Akan

Ga-Dangme

Ewe

Mole-Dagbon

Guan

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. Number of children and where they are (Tick as many as are applicable to you):

	Born in Ghana	Born abroad	Living with you now	Living with family in Ghana (one of the parents or extended family)	Living with a non-relative in Ghana	Living elsewhere in another country where we lived before or he/she/they moved on their own
One child	One child Born in Ghana	One child Born abroad	One child Living with you now	One child Living with family in Ghana (one of the parents or extended family)	One child Living with a non-relative in Ghana	One child Living elsewhere in another country where we lived before or he/she/they moved on their own
Two children	Two children Born in Ghana	Two children Born abroad	Two children Living with you now	Two children Living with family in Ghana (one of the parents or extended family)	Two children Living with a non-relative in Ghana	Two children Living elsewhere in another country where we lived before or he/she/they moved on their own
Three children	Three children Born in Ghana	Three children Born abroad	Three children Living with you now	Three children Living with family in Ghana (one of the parents or extended family)	Three children Living with a non-relative in Ghana	Three children Living elsewhere in another country where we lived before or he/she/they moved on their own
Four children	Four children Born in Ghana	Four children Born abroad	Four children Living with you now	Four children Living with family in Ghana (one of the parents or extended family)	Four children Living with a non-relative in Ghana	Four children Living elsewhere in another country where we lived before or he/she/they moved on their own
Five children or more	Five children or more Born in Ghana	Five children or more Born abroad	Five children or more Living with you now	Five children or more Living with family in Ghana (one of the parents or extended family)	Five children or more Living with a non-relative in Ghana	Five children or more Living elsewhere in another country where we lived before or he/she/they moved on their own

Question Title

* 8. Why are some of your children still in Ghana? (Tick as many as are applicable to you):

I want them to be raised in Ghana because I prefer the Ghanaian culture to the one abroad.

I took them back to Ghana so that they could be raised in Ghana because it is financially difficult to raise them here.

I left them in Ghana to stay with their mother/father because I will be free to work.

They were refused visa.

They are more than 18 years old so they cannot join me as my children.

I could not raise the money required for their travel.

Children do not need to stay with their parents; anybody can raise them.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 9. What is your profession? (What were you trained to do/for?)

Medical Practitioner

Nurse

Pharmacist

Engineer

Lecturer

Teacher

Manager

Administrator

Clerical Officer

Social Worker

Security Officer

Domestic Worker

Labourer/Casual Worker

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 10. Occupation (what work are you doing currently?) (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

Professional, Technical and related worker

Administrative and managerial worker

Clerical and related worker

Sales worker

Service worker

Agriculture, animal husbandry and hunters

Production and related workers

New worker seeking employment

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 11. Are you working with the skills you have been trained for?

Yes [IF THIS IS YOUR ANSWER, YOU WILL SKIP TO QUESTION 13]

No, because:

Question Title

* 12. Why are you not working the skills you have or in your profession? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

I have not found the work I have been trained for

I have given up looking for the work I have been trained for

I must pass professional examinations to get the work I have been trained for

I do not mind what kind of work I do

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 13. Why did you travel abroad? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

I got a job so I came to work

To look for work

To join my immediate family (husband/wife/children)

To join an extended family member

To study

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 14. In which region of Ghana were you residing before you left the country?

Western

Central

Greater Accra

Eastern

Volta

Ashanti

Brong Ahafo

Northern

Upper East

Upper West

Question Title

* 15. Who assisted you financially to migrate?

My family/relative in Ghana

My family/relative living abroad

Friend in Ghana

Friend living abroad

A recruiting Agency

An association member in Ghana

An association member living abroad

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 16. Which country did you first migrate to?

Question Title

* 17. In which country are you residing now?

Same as the country I first migrated to. [IF THIS IS YOUR ANSWER, YOU WILL SKIP TO QUESTION 19]

Another country (Please specify)

Question Title

* 18. Overall, how many countries have you lived in since you left Ghana?

One

Two

Three

Four

Five and more

Question Title

* 19. What is the longest number of years that you worked in any of these countries you have lived in?

< 5 years

5- 9 years

10- 14 years

15+ years

Question Title

* 20. How long have you been living abroad?

< 5 years

5- 9 years

10+ years

Question Title

* 21. How long have you been in the country in which you currently live?

< 5 years

5 – 9 years

10 – 14 years

15+ years

Question Title

* 22. Do you qualify for pension benefits?

No, I have not worked for the years required.

Yes

Yes, but I have difficulty applying for it. I need help (Please specify)

Question Title

* 23. What political rights will you want from Ghana?

The right to stand for political office

The right to participate in voting during national elections

The right to participate directly in political debates

The right to have diaspora parliamentarians

The right to be consulted during the enactment of new key policies in Ghana

The right to be consulted on major political issues

The right to raise funds in support of my preferred political party/candidate

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 24. How will the granting of these rights influence your ability to participate in the development of Ghana? (Tick as many as are applicable to you.)

I will have the ability to choose political leaders

I will feel that I am valued by Ghana

I will be confident to invest in Ghana

I will have the ability to take part in major political, economic and investment decisions in Ghana

I will be able to convince investors at the destination that Ghana is governed well

I will have a sense of ownership of laws that protect my investment interest in Ghana

I will have a stake in Ghana’s development agenda

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 25. What are your views about the Representation of the Peoples Amendment Act (ROPAA)?

I do not know about ROPAA

It is a good law

It is a redundant law since I do not live in Ghana

It should be implemented in full

The electoral commission needs to be resourced to enable it to implement our rights under ROPAA

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 26. Should Ghanaians in the diaspora be allowed to stand for political office in Ghana and why? (Tick as many as you want)

Yes, because they remain Ghanaians

Yes, because they have skills and expertise

Yes, because modern technology and transportation allows them to serve without problems

No, because they will not be present when those they represent need them

No, because their loyalties will be divided

No, because it will be too complicated to manage

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 27. Do you know or receive information about investment opportunities in Ghana?

Yes, through the Ghana High Commission

Yes, through online platforms

Yes, through social media

No, I do not because they do not exist

No, I do not but I would be interested in such information

No, I do not and I am not interested

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 28. What types of investment portfolios will you want from Ghana? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

Diaspora bonds

Investment portfolios in infrastructure development

Investment portfolios in agri-business

Investment portfolios in education

Investment portfolios in health

Investment portfolios in financial services

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 29. What can be done to enhance your interest in investing in Ghana? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

Tax breaks

Improvement in land tenure system

Improvement in judicial system

Better information on investment opportunities

Closer collaboration between the Ghana mission and Ghanaian groups and associations

Less bureaucracy in government ministries, departments and agencies

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 30. What is the role of Ghana’s missions abroad in driving investments by Ghanaians abroad? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

Organising investment expos

Providing up-to-date information, online, on investment opportunities in Ghana

Having dedicated officers who answer questions on challenges facing investors

Maintaining close relations with Ghanaian professional and ethnic groups

Serving as intermediaries between businesses in Ghana and the diaspora members

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 31. What are your views on ‘diaspora bonds’? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

They are a great opportunity for diaspora to participate in national development

They provide a good source of secured investment income for the diaspora

They encourage the diaspora to be more interested in what happens in Ghana

They serve as ready cash for politicians to embezzle

They saddle Ghana with debts in the future

They are not tied to specific projects which is wrong

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 32. How can the diaspora be encouraged to promote investment collaborations with business partners in Ghana? (Tick as many as are applicable to you)

Provide information on potential investment partners

Ensure that Ghanaian businesses are properly registered

Set up online resources on investment opportunities

The Ghana mission should be more proactive in sharing information on investment opportunities

Business fora, durbars and summits should be organized regularly

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 33. Which are the relevant institutions (ministries, departments and agencies) that should champion the implementation of diaspora programmes in Ghana? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

Ministry of the Interior/Ghana Immigration Service

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre

Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts

National Youth Authority

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 34. How should the government of Ghana encourage the diaspora to support diaspora capacity building in Ghana? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Identification of diaspora groups and their capacities

Organising workshops to highlight various skill gaps in Ghana that the diaspora can participate in filling/bridging

Promote joint training sessions between the homeland and diaspora businesses so skills can be transferred

Encourage and promote institutional collaboration between homeland institutions and diaspora experts

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 35. What events/occasions can Ghana use to promote or boost working relations between Ghanaians and their diaspora? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Investment fora associated with vital sectors such as education, health, agriculture, etc.

Cultural events such as panafest, homecoming summits, youth and sports events

Special events organized by Ghana’s Missions abroad to engage their diaspora

Organisation of special trade and investment missions targeting specific diaspora groups with potential skills, resources and networks that can benefit Ghana

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 36. What can the Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President do to build a strong attachment of diaspora to local communities in the homeland? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Identify diaspora groups and the expertise they can offer Ghana

Organize regular meetings to showcase Ghana’s investment potentials

Work closely with relevant ministries/departments/agencies/groups to identify their needs and support the establishment of links with the diaspora

Liaise with relevant agencies to facilitate travel and investment documentation for the diaspora who have genuine links (business or cultural) with the country

Organized visits on group basis should be arranged for them to engage in events in Ghana

Involve them in activities and celebrations by giving them roles to play such as master of ceremonies (MC) or participate in essay competition on Ghana with prizes to be awarded at the ceremonies

Encourage them to participate in National Service or voluntary activities in Ghana

Encourage them to do one semester or one year of their education in Ghana

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 37. What role can the Ministry of Education and the National Youth Authority play in connecting the Ghanaian children/youth in the diaspora? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Target young diaspora professionals with the home environment to provide opportunities to know and bond with Ghana

Explore and create networks and links with diaspora institutions in higher education for the exchange of critical skills

Organise short term or holiday workshops to give diaspora academics some exposure to skills gaps so they can provide expertise to close the gaps

The National Youth Authority should organize sports events that invite the young diaspora as a way of making them bond and share critical experiences

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 38. Suggest ways that the government of Ghana can organise business and investment training programmes for the youth and second/third generation diaspora? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Liaise with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts, National Youth Authority and other relevant agencies to design innovative short term training programmes for the youth in the diaspora

Coordinate training programmes which are skills specific yet consistent across the various agencies for the youth in the diaspora

Support diaspora youth (such as meeting costs half-way) to be able to attend these training programmes

Promote the establishment of contact and networks between the youth in the diaspora and relevant agencies so they can plan specific programmes for specific youth groups

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 39. What role should the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration play in capacity building? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Data collation of all Ghanaian diaspora location, contacts and expertise through their missions abroad

Liaise with key sector agencies in Ghana to identify capacity gaps in key sectors

Compile and update modalities for transfer of critical skills of the diaspora on short to long term basis

Facilitating residential and investment permits of the Ghanaian diaspora who may need such service

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 40. What are the legal and political incentives that can be extended to the Ghanaian diaspora to enhance their participation in national affairs? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Facilitating travel of the Ghanaian diaspora (especially first-timers)

Implement the right for them to vote

Provide adequate information on investment priorities and incentives

Tax waivers/holidays for investments in sectors of priority to the government

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 41. How can Ghana tap the much needed professional skills and networks of expatriate Ghanaian diaspora? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Involve various institutions to identify diaspora skills that match their needs

Institute flexible short term skills exchanges between various homeland institutions and trade and investment agencies and those identified in the diaspora

Provide incentives for diaspora with skills (easy clearance of equipment from the ports for medical teams on humanitarian missions)

Encourage and promote diaspora investments that partner with homeland groups and individuals

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 42. How can Ghanaian diaspora associations support the drive to engage the diaspora in nation building (professional, ethnic, religious, etc.)? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Receive training on how to collect membership data

Collect membership data consistently for planning purposes and protection of members

Engage in collective remittance transfer, that is sending money and goods as a group to their communities and individuals, especially victims of flood, fire, etc.

Receive training on how to increase contribution to community development in more innovative ways

Receive training on how to seek protection for members, especially those in need

Organize training for association leaders on how to engage government to sign bilateral agreements to protect the diaspora

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 43. If you DECIDE to return, what would be the main reasons why you will return to Ghana? (In order of priority with 1 being the most important and 8 the least important).

Question Title

* 44. Which relevant institutions (ministries, departments and agencies) should champion the implementation of return, readmission and reintegration programs in Ghana? (In order of priority with 1 being the most important and 6 being the most important)

Question Title

* 45. How should the government of Ghana support the diaspora to ensure eventual and sustainable return, readmission and reintegration? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Set up a return and reintegration centre in Ghana

Create user-friendly on-line platform for return, readmission and reintegration information and services.

Create a return information desk in the offices of Ghana Missions Abroad

Establish counselling services on preparation to return and reintegration (eg. financial, psychological)

Offer short-term pro bono professional services in Ghana

Organise skilled training for returnees on job placement

Organise home-coming summits more frequently

Offer start-up capital to return migrants with special needs

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 46. What role should the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) play in order to help you to make or row your investments in Ghana? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Organize financial counselling sessions on investment opportunities

Advocate for tax incentives/rebate for potential returnees who want to invest in some sectors

Reduce the bureaucracies in the system which affect Ghanaians who return home

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 47. What role should the Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President play to ensure that all the needs of the different return migrants, especially those with special needs are addressed?

Establish a database on Ghanaians in the diaspora

Provide job placement counselling

Offer information on preparation towards return

Assist with the documentation/registration of our investments in Ghana

Serve as a liaison between the diaspora community and the government of Ghana

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 48. Which relevant institution (ministries, departments and agencies) should champion the discussion on social security portability for Ghanaian diaspora in Ghana? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Bank of Ghana

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President

Ghana Missions Abroad

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 49. How can the government of Ghana discuss the Ghanaian diaspora’s social security issues with the major host countries (Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States, Italy, Germany)? (Tick as many answers as are applicable)

Initiate bilateral agreements with the host country governments

Develop voluntary insurance schemes for Ghanaians living abroad

Ghanaian diaspora who contributed to social security schemes before migrating should be given the chance to continue to contribute while living abroad and to access it when they return

Other (please specify)