Jemima Agyare looks at how we can move forward

Jemima Agyare

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence from British colonial rule, the first of the Black African countries to achieve this. Amidst all the celebrations and festivities, as a British Ghanaian (my parents are Ghanaian and I was born and raised in the UK) I have been led to reflect on the situations in many countries that have been left behind, often by people seeking a better life in the Western world. As a member of the Diaspora, I have been challenged to look at the role we can play in the restoration of countries that were once full of promise but have been unable to live up to expectations. I strongly believe that as members of the Diaspora we have a vital role to play in the developmental project of such countries.

At the dawn of independence Ghana, like many of the newly independent countries of that time, was a country full of hope and expectation. Unfortunately, Ghana has failed to live up to expectations prescribed at the break of independence. This has been the same story for the majority of countries in the developing world. You might ask yourself, 'why?' and we could spend copious amounts of time discussing and debating reasons as to why such countries have not developed in accordance with their independence expectations. Although many lessons can be learnt from analysing historical events, it is not constructive to dwell on the past. It is imperative that we progress from a pure critique of past events into incorporating historical lessons and experiences into future decisions.

The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead so although it is crucial that we continue to pray for our mother countries it is also important that we put our faith into action. So how do members of the Diaspora do this? I would like to suggest that this can be achieved via two pathways: through formalised political and economic institutional linkages as well as informal organisations and networks.

On the level of formal institutions members of the Diaspora can actively campaign and act as a resource that can be mobilised and utilised for the benefit of their country. Through raising awareness of important global issues, such as the crisis in Darfur or the political atrocities in Zimbabwe, Diasporeans can constitute themselves as an effective political lobby group-speaking out against injustice and fighting for righteousness.

Members of the Diaspora have a wide range of professions. Various sectors such as educational, health, business and legal sectors, to name but a few, stand to benefit from the expertise members of the Diaspora can offer. This should not be seen as being in competition with the people based in the mother country but working in collaboration and contributing to the development of the country as a whole.

Linkages through informal institutions and networks can provide connections. Civil society organisations, such as cultural groups, unions, societies can make serious contributions not only to the development of the mother country but also the development of people living abroad. The Church has a vital role in this regard and as a united body it should lead the way and set the standard in connecting and developing its various units throughout the world. As we are linked through one body the responsibility of the development of all parts of the Church (in every nation) rests on all our shoulders.

The challenge presently is a great but exciting one. As members of the Diaspora living abroad we have the ability to contribute to the development of our mother countries in a unique manner. If all sections of society, residing in the home country and abroad, are able to join arms in pursuit of the country's economic, cultural, social and political progress, then they will become the prosperous countries that we have longed for. Let's pray and believe that we will look back in years to come and rejoice at the progress and achievements that God has done in our mother countries!