Ghanaian Diaspora Union in Europe protests over neglect, raises concerns about government services
The Ghanaian Diaspora Union in Europe (GDUE) has announced plans to stage a press conference and demonstration against the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Embassy in Spain, citing what it describes as neglect, lack of responsiveness, and systemic challenges affecting Ghanaians living abroad.
In a statement, the Union said it had, in September 2025, submitted a detailed petition to key government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Affairs Office, outlining concerns and recommendations. However, the group claims no response has been received to date.
“We submitted a comprehensive petition to the relevant authorities, but unfortunately, we have not received any acknowledgment or response,” the statement noted. “This lack of engagement is disappointing and reflects the need for greater accountability and responsiveness from our institutions.”
The GDUE also expressed concern about the operations of the Diaspora Affairs Office, alleging that many Ghanaians abroad face difficulties accessing support. According to the group, there appears to be a growing bias in favour of expatriates over the broader Ghanaian diaspora.
“Many of our members report challenges in accessing assistance, and there seems to be a shift in focus that does not serve the interest of all Ghanaians abroad,” the Union stated.
The group further alleged that some of its representatives were denied access to a scheduled meeting at the Office of the Presidency and were detained by police for several hours.
“Our representatives were held for about three hours and ultimately denied access to the meeting. This raises serious concerns about how diaspora engagement is being handled,” the statement added.
Additionally, the Union raised issues with the conduct of the Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, accusing him of being unresponsive and selective in his engagement.
“This raises serious questions about inclusivity and whether the office truly serves all Ghanaians abroad or only a select group,” GDUE stressed.
On economic matters, the Union highlighted the challenges faced by Ghanaians abroad who attempt to invest or trade in Ghana. It cited excessive import duties, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and alleged extortion along key transport routes such as Accra-Kumasi.
“These practices place an unfair financial burden on diaspora traders and undermine their efforts to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development,” the group said.
The GDUE also raised concerns about the implementation of artificial intelligence systems in customs operations, particularly the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), also referred to as “Publican AI.” While acknowledging the benefits of technology, the Union warned against a lack of transparency.
“AI systems must not operate as opaque ‘black boxes’. Stakeholders deserve clarity on how these systems function and how decisions are made,” the statement emphasized.
The group cited issues including excessive duty assessments, inaccurate valuation of goods, persistent delays, and an ineffective appeals process.
In conclusion, the GDUE called on the Ghanaian authorities to demonstrate renewed commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and professionalism in dealing with diaspora concerns.
“We remain ready to engage constructively with the government to find lasting solutions that will benefit all members of the Ghanaian diaspora,” the statement concluded.
The Union copied its statement to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ghana Embassy in Spain.
Read the full statement below
GHANAIAN DIASPORA UNION IN EUROPE (GDUE)
PRESS CONFERENCE AND DEMONSTRATION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF GHANA AND THE GHANA EMBASSY IN SPAIN
Statement by the Ghanaian Diaspora Union in Europe (GDUE)
The Ghanaian Diaspora Union in Europe (GDUE) is an officially registered association committed to connecting and empowering Ghanaians abroad—across Europe and worldwide. We aim to foster unity, support development, and ensure that the voices of all Ghanaian communities outside our borders are heard and represented.
- Unaddressed Petition and Lack of Response
In September 2025, GDUE submitted a comprehensive petition to various government ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Affairs Office, outlining our concerns and recommendations.
Unfortunately, we haven’t received any response or acknowledgment to our petition. Even after some time, no meaningful actions or changes have been made to address our concerns. This lack of response is disappointing and shows that our government institutions need to be more accountable and responsive.
- Concerns Regarding the Diaspora Affairs Office in Ghana
We have observed recent developments within the Diaspora Affairs Office with growing concern. Many Ghanaians living abroad report difficulties in accessing assistance from the office. There appears to be a shift in focus, favouring expatriates over the broader Ghanaian diaspora.
For example, a GDUE Secretary who visited the office from the UK was received warmly likely due to her British accent.
However, when our representatives in Ghana attempted to attend a scheduled meeting on our behalf, they were detained by Ghana Police at the Office of the Presidency for approximately three hours and were ultimately denied access.
Additionally, Mr. Kofi Okyere Darko, Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, has demonstrated a troubling attitude toward engagement with the diaspora. On multiple occasions, he has refused to communicate in local dialects such as Twi, claiming a lack of understanding, yet seems more receptive when approached in a foreign accent. This raises serious questions about inclusivity and whether the office truly serves all Ghanaians abroad or only a select group.
We urge the relevant authorities to reassess whether the Diaspora Affairs Office genuinely operates to serve the interests of all Ghanaian diaspora communities or if it favours certain expatriates over others. Our expectations for equitable representation and support remain firm.
3. Challenges Faced by Ghanaians Abroad in Trade and Logistics
Ghanaians abroad work tirelessly, often in low-paying jobs, to support their families back home. However, when attempting to contribute economically through imports, they face excessive duties and bureaucratic hurdles at ports.
Along the Accra-Kumasi route, particularly around Kubeasi and Koforidua junction, transporters frequently encounter extortion, with officials stopping vehicles and demanding additional payments under the pretence of duty discrepancies.
These practices place an unfair financial burden on diaspora traders and hinder legitimate economic contributions to Ghana’s development.
4. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Customs (ICUMS / “Publican AI”)
While we recognise the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency in customs operations, its implementation must be transparent and accountable. AI systems should not operate as opaque “black boxes.”
Stakeholders have the right to understand:
- The operational basis of the system
- Its scope and limitations
- Governance and oversight mechanisms
- Whether outputs are advisory, supportive, or determinative
Freight forwarders, importers, and customs brokers must not be subjected to opaque digital systems that influence valuation, clearance decisions, or enforcement outcomes without a clear legal and administrative framework.
- The current concerns include:
- Potential conflict with Ghanaian law and international valuation principles
- Excessive and unsustainable duty assessments
- Inaccuracy in valuing used or non-standard goods
- Risk of systemic overvaluation
- Persistent delays in the valuation process
- An unreliable and inadequate appeals system
Therefore, our concerns include potential conflicts with Ghanaian law, unfair valuation practices, delays, and an unreliable appeals process. We believe that technology, when implemented with transparency and oversight, can foster trust and improve service delivery.
We remain open to dialogue and engagement to ensure that these systems serve the best interests of all stakeholders and uphold fairness.
In conclusion, GDUE urges Ghanaian authorities to renew their commitment to inclusivity, professionalism, and transparency. We are ready to engage constructively to address these challenges and collaborate on solutions that benefit all members of our diaspora community.
Yours sincerely,
COPY TO:
The Presidency-Ghana
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
The Embassy of Ghana-Spain
Contact: Mr Ibrahim Isshak,
Tel +34 624 490 895
CHARMAN -GHANA DIASPORA UNION IN EUROPE
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com
