Ghana’s 17th Region was “launched” on 30 July at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with His Excellency Victor Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, as Guest of Honour.
The event was organised by the 17th Region Group and brought together about 100 attendees, including dignitaries, government representatives and members of the Ghanaian Diaspora.
Speaking at the event, Jermaine Nkrumah, Chairman of the GhlobaL Diaspora Council, highlighted the need to institutionalise the 17th Region in Ghana’s Constitution for the declaration to become a reality.
The call reflects a growing discussion around moving the 17th Region beyond a declaration and giving it a formal and lasting place within Ghana’s national governance framework. Proponents of constitutional recognition argue that this would provide the initiative with greater permanence and establish a clearer basis for the participation of Ghanaians abroad in the country’s affairs.
Mr. Nkrumah’s comments appeared to resonate with many attendees, with several people approaching him during the brief reception that followed to express their agreement with the need to institutionalise the 17th Region.
Mr. Nkrumah also described the Mahama administration’s overtures to the Ghanaian Diaspora as the most genuine he has seen since he began working in the Diaspora space in 2002.
He said there was a need to persevere in the quest to institutionalise the 17th Region declaration.
As part of the next steps, Mr. Nkrumah is expected to begin discussions with the Steering Committee and partners in France on reinstating the 17th Region event in Paris.
