The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Chairman, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has called on Ghanaians at home and abroad to reject political and ethnic division and reposition the diaspora as a driver of investment and "brain gain," in a keynote address delivered at the 37th Annual GhanaFest in Chicago on 25 of July, 2026.

Opong-Fosu spoke to a large gathering of chiefs, queen mothers, community leaders, African-American community, Ghanaian families and dignitaries from Metropolitan Chicago at Washington Park under this year's theme, "Connecting Communities through Culture and Commerce."

He opened his remarks by paying tribute to the strength of Ghanaian identity abroad, noting that the recent flying of Ghana's flag over Daley Plaza for the first time was a reminder that distance from home had not weakened the diaspora's ties to the nation.

A Warning Against Political Division

The bulk of Opong-Fosu's address centred on what he described as a growing threat to Ghana's democratic stability: the blurring of lines between political competition and ethnic or social identity.

While acknowledging that disagreement is a healthy feature of democracy, he warned that division is not. He stressed that no party, election or political victory is worth more than national unity. 

He urged the Chicago diaspora community to serve as a model for the country, pointing to their ability to live and celebrate together across regional, ethnic and political lines as an example the wider nation should follow.

Values and Mindset

Opong-Fosu also expanded on a theme he has championed in recent public appearances; the need for a "restoration of values and renewal of mindset".

He argued that national development depends less on natural resources than on integrity, discipline, respect, service and accountability.

He cautioned that economic progress without moral leadership, political success without integrity, and development without inclusion would all ultimately prove unsustainable.

He called on individuals, families, businesses, faith communities and organisations such as the Ghana National Council to extend support to new immigrants, students, young professionals and the elderly, summarising his philosophy with the line: "Until everyone counts, no one truly counts."

From Brain Drain to Brain Gain

Turning to economic policy, Opong-Fosu reframed the long-standing national conversation around "brain drain," urging the diaspora instead to think in terms of "brain gain."

He highlighted the depth of Ghanaian professional talent across the United States, in areas such as: medicine, engineering, science, academia, entrepreneurship, technology, finance and public services. He said this is one of the country's most valuable national assets.

The GIPA Board Chairman reaffirmed that Ghana remains open to responsible investment and productive partnerships, stating that the country's goal is not simply to attract capital but to attract innovation, create quality jobs and strengthen institutions for future generations.

He linked this directly to the GhanaFest theme, describing culture as the preserver of identity and commerce as the creator of opportunity.

Opong-Fosu closed his address with a call for unity over division, integrity over expediency, and service over self-interest, urging Ghanaians everywhere to keep their hearts, talents and commitment connected to their homeland regardless of where they live.

The 37th Annual GhanaFest, organised by the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, drew Ghanaian community members, traditional leaders and dignitaries for a celebration of culture, commerce and community under this year's theme.