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Historical Diasporans Returning to Africa Warned Against Feeling ‘Superior’:  ‘Come Home Humbly, Build Together’

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In August 2020, as the world grappled with a pandemic and a long-overdue racial reckoning, a speech by Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao cut through the noise.

The message was for the African diaspora, and it remains urgently relevant today. Her words were a clarion call for return, but with a critical, non-negotiable condition: a radical shift in attitude.

As Ghana’s “Year of Return” momentum evolved into the “Beyond the Return” initiative, and as other African nations opened their doors, Dr. Chihombori-Quao, the former African Union Permanent Representative to the U.S., identified a silent threat to the homecoming dream: the ego of the returnee.

The ‘Been-To’ Mentality: A Barrier to Building

Dr. Chihombori-Quao didn’t mince words. She spoke directly to the experience of being a “been-to,” a term used in Ghana for someone who has “been to” the West.

“We go back home with an attitude. We think just because we’ve been to, we know more than the ones at home. That attitude has got to change,” she stated.

This mindset, she argued, is a primary reason why many returnees struggle to find their footing. It creates an invisible wall, fostering a dynamic of superiority that alienates the very people essential for collaboration.

Whether it’s a continental African returning from the diaspora or an African American settling on the continent, the pitfall is the same: arriving as a lecturer, not a learner.

“The diaspora doesn’t return to lecture. And the continent doesn’t wait to be saved,” her comments remind us. The assumption that Western exposure equates to superior knowledge is not only incorrect, but it also erases the deep, contextual expertise held by those who never left. As she put it plainly, “Africans have a lot to teach you too.”

Solidarity, Not Superiority: The Partnership Paradigm

The core of her message is a redefinition of the returnee’s role. It is not about a heroic figure arriving to “save” Africa, a narrative steeped in colonial tropes. Instead, it is about showing up as an equal partner. “Going ‘back home’ isn’t about superiority, it’s about solidarity,” the sentiment encapsulates.

This means approaching every interaction with humility. It means listening to local entrepreneurs, understanding community needs, and respecting established systems. A returnee’s international expertise in finance, technology, or healthcare is invaluable, but it only becomes powerful when it is applied in partnership with local knowledge. The goal is to co-create solutions, not impose imported ones.

The Urgency of Organisation: A Space to Fill

Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s 2020 address also carried a stark warning about the geopolitical and economic realities of a rising Africa. She recalled a moment when President Trump addressed African leaders, mocking the paradox of a resource-rich continent with widespread poverty. The punchline was a call to action: Africa is open for business, and if the diaspora does not organize, others will.

“If you don’t show up and you stand up and be counted, next time the contracts go to the Chinese, shut up,” she asserted. This frames diaspora engagement not as a charitable endeavour, but as a strategic imperative. It is about claiming a seat at the table as the continent charts its own developmental agenda—an agenda that envisions Africa as a unified market, not 54 fragmented nations.

For decades, other global powers have filled the space. The question she poses is whether the diaspora will remain a bystander or become a primary stakeholder in Africa’s future. “How do we give you contracts when we don’t know where you are? How do we know about your business when you don’t stand up?” she challenged.

Coming Home to Build Together

The ultimate takeaway from Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s enduring message is that the call to “come home” is profound, but the manner of arrival is what determines success. It is a call to come home and build together.

This means rejecting the labels of “been-to” and “local” that divide. It means exchanging condescension (looking down on local opinions) for contribution and pride for partnership.

The opportunity before the diaspora is immense. As Africa takes its place on the world stage, it invites its sons and daughters abroad to be part of the journey—not as saviours on a pedestal, but as humble collaborators in the trenches.

Because when we divide ourselves, as her words imply, we weaken the very future we claim to care about. And that is a risk the African renaissance cannot afford.

Ghana News

Ghana Leads African Central Banks in Gold Reserve Accumulation as Global Buying Wave Hits $2 Billion

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Accra, Ghana – Ghana has emerged as one of the most active African central banks in the global gold accumulation surge, joining a broader shift by emerging market nations seeking to diversify reserves and shield economies from currency volatility and geopolitical risks.

According to the latest data, central banks worldwide purchased 27 tonnes of gold in February 2026, valued at approximately $2 billion.

While the bulk of demand continues to come from major players such as China, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, African central banks are gradually increasing their participation. Ghana stood out last year for aggressively boosting its gold reserves to support the cedi and strengthen its balance sheet amid economic challenges.

The move reflects a deliberate strategy to reduce reliance on traditional foreign currencies and build a more resilient reserve base.

Other African nations are also showing strategic interest. Uganda has launched a domestic gold purchasing programme targeting at least 100 kilograms over four months, while Kenya — despite holding just 0.02 tonnes — has signalled plans for gradual accumulation. Zimbabwe continues experimenting with gold-backed instruments, and the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to formalize 15 tonnes of artisanal gold production in 2026.

These efforts, though still modest compared to global leaders, signal a growing continental recognition of gold’s role as a hedge in uncertain times.

Analysts say this African participation, led by Ghana, aligns with a wider global trend where central banks are treating gold as a strategic asset rather than a relic of the past.

For Ghana, continued accumulation could further stabilise the cedi, enhance macroeconomic credibility, and support the country’s ambition to capture more value from its rich gold resources through strategic reserve management.

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Ghana News

LGBTQ Debate Intensifies After Mahama Comments, Moody’s Upgrades Ghana Outlook and Other Big Stories Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness. From renewed calls on the controversial Anti-LGBTQ bill and a significant credit rating upgrade, to traditional leadership disputes and maritime security operations, these developments reflect the key political, economic, and social conversations shaping the country this morning.


It Remains a Priority – Sam George on Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a top priority for him and many Ghanaians. Speaking in a recent interview, the outspoken NDC legislator took a stance that challenges his boss’s (President Mahama), stating that the bill is not a distraction but a necessary piece of legislation to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. He expressed confidence that the bill would eventually be passed, despite delays, and urged supporters to remain patient while the legislative process is followed. George stated that the bill enjoys broad public support and that he would continue to champion it until it becomes law.
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Rev. Ntim Fordjour Urges Mahama to Issue Directive to Fast-Track Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Deputy Minority Leader Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive to fast-track the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ bill. The NPP MP argued that the legislation reflects the will of the Ghanaian people and should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely. He urged the President to demonstrate leadership by ensuring the bill is prioritised in Parliament, warning that further delays could erode public trust in the government’s commitment to moral and cultural issues.
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President Mahama Nominates Pamela Graham as New Auditor-General
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Pamela Graham as the new Auditor-General of Ghana. The nomination, which has been forwarded to Parliament for approval, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the country’s supreme audit institution. Graham is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in public financial management and auditing. If confirmed, her appointment will be closely watched as the government continues efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finances.
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Etweresohene Stripped of Title, Barred from Ofori Panin Fie Over Alleged Rebellion
The Etweresohene has been stripped of his title and barred from the Ofori Panin Fie (the palace of the Okyenhene) following allegations of rebellion and disloyalty. The traditional council took the decision after what it described as persistent acts of insubordination and attempts to undermine the authority of the Okyenhene. The development has generated significant interest in traditional circles and highlights ongoing tensions within some traditional structures in the Eastern Region.
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Moody’s Upgrades Ghana’s Outlook to Positive, Affirms Caa1 Rating
Global ratings agency Moody’s has upgraded Ghana’s outlook to positive while affirming the country’s long-term issuer rating at Caa1. The upgrade reflects improving fiscal performance, debt management efforts, and signs of economic stabilisation. However, Moody’s cautioned that risks remain, particularly from external shocks such as global fuel price volatility. The positive outlook signals growing confidence in Ghana’s reform trajectory and could improve the country’s access to international capital markets.
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Mahama to Headline The Africa Debate 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has been confirmed as the headline speaker at The Africa Debate 2026, a major continental platform for discussing Africa’s most pressing issues. The event is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage on topics ranging from economic transformation to governance and regional integration. Mahama’s selection underscores his growing stature as a key voice on African affairs.
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Navy Seizes Eight Unregistered Boats at New Takoradi
The Ghana Navy has seized eight unregistered boats during a routine patrol at New Takoradi. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and unregulated maritime activities along Ghana’s coastline. The vessels have been impounded, and investigations are underway to determine the owners and intended use of the boats. The Navy has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s marine resources and enforcing maritime laws.
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Ghana News

Catholic Bishops Reject Trivialization of LGBTQ+ Debate by Mahama Government: ‘Nations Do Not Live by Bread Alone’

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ACCRA – Ghana’s Catholic Bishops have issued a forceful pastoral statement urging citizens and leaders alike to treat the ongoing LGBTQ+ debate with the seriousness it deserves.

In the statement, the Bishops warned against dismissing the issue as a minor national concern.

Released on April 10, 2026, the statement from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) directly responds to recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who, in separate public statements, suggested the matter is not a major national priority.

“No question that touches the structure of human identity, family life, and social continuity can be trivial,” the bishops declared.

Values as the Invisible Architecture of Nations

While acknowledging Ghana’s pressing economic challenges, the Conference rejected any attempt to separate moral questions from national development.

“Nations do not live by bread alone,” the statement reads. “They are sustained also by the invisible architecture of values.”

The bishops called for a balanced approach to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging that it uphold both human dignity and the institution of the family.

Clear Condemnation of Discrimination

In a significant passage, the GCBC firmly condemned all forms of discrimination against individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

“No individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, may be subjected to violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination,” the bishops stated.

However, they simultaneously reaffirmed their position on traditional family values, describing the family as a nation’s most efficient social welfare system.

“To affirm dignity does not require the redefinition of marriage,” the bishops added. “To defend marriage does not require hostility.”

Reminder to President Mahama

The Conference reminded President Mahama of his earlier commitment to assent to the bill if duly passed by Parliament.

“Democratic integrity rests… on the fidelity of leaders to their publicly stated commitments,” the bishops noted.

They concluded with a call for calm and respectful engagement across all sectors of society, warning that words can either build a republic of trust or fracture it into suspicion.

The GCBC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to a national conversation grounded in respect, moral clarity, and the common good.

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