The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has met and engaged with members of the Ghanaian Association in Iowa at Drake University in Des Moines.
The meeting formed part of the Vice-President’s official visit to the United States to attend the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation.
She was accompanied by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku; Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, and other officials from the Office of the Vice-President.
The engagement drew an audience dominated by young Ghanaians and students, with others travelling from neighbouring states to participate.
The Vice-President took the opportunity to listen to their concerns, share government policies, and outline Ghana’s vision for inclusive national development.
Commitment
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, adding that Ghana’s progress depends on empowering every citizen, both at home and abroad.
She conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and spoke about the importance of Pan-African solidarity, adding that Ghana’s progress is intertwined with that of its neighbouring countries.
She explained that the Mahama administration was committed to ensuring inclusive development that uplifted the living standards of all citizens, especially the disadvantaged.
“Ghana is about ensuring that there is inclusive development. Our focus is on bringing everyone toward the centre. Using power means empowering those who don’t have it — through whatever means possible,” she said.
The Vice-President said that the President remained deeply connected to Ghanaians everywhere, regardless of where they lived, adding that “He thinks of all of us — those at home and those abroad.”
She further encouraged the Ghanaian diaspora to continue engaging actively in the country’s growth and transformation agenda.
“Ghana remains open and ready to harness the ideas, skills, and investments of her citizens at home and abroad for progress,” she stressed.
While thanking the Ghanaian community in Iowa for their patriotism, unity and unwavering commitment to Ghana’s advancement, the Vice-President also assured them that the government would continue to strengthen its partnership with Ghanaians in the diaspora to drive inclusive national progress.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged Ghanaian students in the diaspora to appreciate the solid foundation provided by Ghana’s educational system, which continues to produce globally competitive graduates, encouraging them to give back to their country in whatever way possible, saying,” Ghana will always be a home to them.
National Reset Agenda
The Vice-President revealed that the government’s National Reset Agenda was anchored on four key pillars aimed at achieving sustainable transformation.
To recognise the potential of Ghana’s youthful population, she said the government was implementing strategic interventions to create sustainable employment opportunities across various sectors.
She said that through programmes such as the Feed Ghana initiative and increased support for agribusiness, the government aimed to achieve food self-sufficiency while building a modern and productive agricultural economy.
The Vice-President reiterated the administration’s focus on supporting small and medium enterprises by creating a stronger enabling environment that promotes innovation, access to finance, and enterprise growth.
She emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in managing national resources to ensure that every cedi is used efficiently for public benefit.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also expressed her passion for advancing women’s empowerment, describing it as a catalyst for national development.
“When women are supported, the positive impact extends to families, communities, and the entire nation.
Every Ghanaian, regardless of circumstance, has something valuable to contribute to national development,” she said.
The Vice-President also announced that the government will soon roll out the Women’s Development Bank to support female businesses.
