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Africa Knows! It is time to decolonise minds

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Accepted Paper: B10-07. To panel B10.

Title of paper:

Authors:

Sandra Obiri-Yeboah (University of Ghana);

Nyarko Ofori (University of Ghana).

Short abstract paper:
The importance of transnational activities between the African Diaspora and the continent has become an increasing source of knowledge and investment capital to galvanise development within Africa. This has led governments to develop policies to encourage the return of the Diasporas.

Long abstract paper:
The importance of transnational activities by African Diasporas to the home countries cannot be overlooked because, it serves as the engine that catalyses economic development in most of these countries. In the world of competitive industrialization and technological advancement, transfer of knowledge, skills and capital investment is critical for socio-economic development of origin countries. African Diasporas contribute to local economies through transnational activities which are indicated in the form of innovation, skills, training, experiences, remittances and capital investment injected in the local economies. The benefits gained from the transnational activities of the African Diasporas to the home countries have led governments in many home countries to strengthen their socio-economic structures and developed policies and programs to encourage the return of the Diasporas.

The paper focuses on the potentials of African diasporas, their role in transnational activities towards the socio-economic development of the home countries and is divided into six sections. The first section reviews literature on the diaspora in general, including African and Ghanaian diasporas and theoretical framework. The second section explains the methodology used in this paper. The third section discusses the role of Ghanaian government in attracting African diasporas investment and participation in the country's socio-economic development. The fourth section examines the benefits from transnational activities. The fifth section examines African Diasporas contributions to Ghana's socio-economic development. The final section provides conclusion.

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