News
Kofi Okyere Darko Appointed Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has appointed renowned media personality, fashion entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) as Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs.
With his extensive experience in connecting Ghana with its global diaspora, KOD’s appointment underscores President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ghanaians abroad, fostering investment opportunities, and enhancing cultural and economic collaboration.
KOD over the years has created a longstanding relationship with Diasporans through his Nineteen57 Events company and other programmes like RhythmsOnDaRunway.
He has over the years become the bridge between Diasporans and the Ghanaian creative economy.
Against this backdrop, he has collaborated with many of them on varied projects and awarded some for their immense contributions.
It is expected that with his background in Public Relations and Marketing, he would create the necessary stakeholder relations for the benefit of Ghana.
The Mandate of the Diaspora Affairs Office, Office of the President, Ghana
Established in February 2017 within the Office of the President, the Diaspora Affairs Office was created to recognize and harness the immense contributions of Ghanaians living abroad, with a special focus on engaging African Americans and the broader African diaspora in reconnecting with their ancestral homeland.
At its core, the office is dedicated to strengthening ties between Ghana and its diaspora community. It serves as a bridge, fostering meaningful connections, celebrating achievements, and encouraging active participation in Ghana’s socio-economic development.
A key focus of the office is youth engagement, working closely with Ghanaian youth organizations abroad to ensure that second and third-generation Ghanaians remain connected to their heritage.
Additionally, the office maintains a comprehensive database of Ghanaians in the diaspora, streamlining their identification, location, and mobilization for national development.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Diaspora Affairs Office ensures that Ghanaians abroad have a direct link to government agencies, promoting investment and development initiatives that drive economic growth.
The office played a pivotal role in landmark initiatives such as the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019,”which commemorated 400 years since the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in Virginia, USA.
This initiative not only encouraged the global African diaspora to visit Ghana but also positioned the country as a prime destination for cultural exchange and investment.
Building on this success, the “Beyond the Return” initiative was launched as a 10-year program to sustain tourism, foster homecoming experiences, and enhance economic collaboration between Ghana and the diaspora.
Furthermore, the Diaspora Affairs Office has been instrumental in boosting Ghana’s tourism visibility by facilitating visits from top-tier Hollywood actors and influential figures of African descent.
These high-profile visits have showcased Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and investment opportunities on a global stage.
Through its strategic initiatives, the Diaspora Affairs Office continues to position Ghana as the ultimate gateway for the African diaspora—unlocking opportunities in investment, knowledge transfer, technology, and cultural exchange while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to unity and progress.
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Association of Match Commissioners (GNAMCO) has successfully held its 2nd Quadrennial Delegates Congress on 18th April 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
During the congress, elections were conducted, resulting in the retention of all incumbent executive members for another four-year term.
The re-elected leaders include Paul Ayamba as National Chairman, Clement Walter Okai as First National Vice Chairman, John Yakubu as Second National Vice-Chairman, Michael Ntow Ayeh as National Secretary, Felix Adjetey Sowah as Assistant National Secretary, Egbert M. A. Laryea as National Treasurer, Mike Komla Amedior as National Trainer, and William Lantey Quaye as National Deputy Trainer.
GNAMCO pledged unwavering support and cooperation to advance football development in Ghana, with a focus on professionalism, integrity, and excellence.
