In a spirited gathering at Drake University, the Vice President, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang accompanied by Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, and H.E. Victor Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, met with members of the Ghanaian Association in Iowa and neighboring states. The event served as a platform to engage the diaspora on Ghana’s development agenda and foster stronger national ties.

The Vice President conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and emphasized the importance of Pan-African solidarity. “Ghana’s progress is deeply connected to the advancement of her neighbors,” she noted, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive governance that brings marginalized communities to the

Addressing Ghanaian students, the Vice President praised the country’s robust educational foundation, which continues to prepare youth for global excellence. She encouraged them to remain connected to Ghana and contribute to its growth, affirming, “Ghana will always

The Vice President outlined four strategic focus areas driving Ghana’s transformation:

Job Creation: With a youthful population, Ghana is investing in sustainable employment initiatives.
Agricultural Transformation: Through the Feed Ghana initiative and private sector partnerships, the country aims for food self-sufficiency and value-added agriculture.
Support for SMEs: The government is fostering innovation and financial access for small and medium enterprises.
Prudent Resource Management: Transparency and efficiency in resource use remain central to governance.

She passionately advocated for women’s empowerment, stating that supporting women yields benefits for families, communities, and the nation. “Every Ghanaian has something valuable to contribute,” she affirmed, underscoring the inclusive nature of the government’s vision.

In closing, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ghanaian community in Iowa for their patriotism and contributions to Ghana’s global image. He reiterated Ghana’s openness to ideas, skills, and investments from citizens abroad, calling on the diaspora to be active partners in the country’s journey toward progress.