Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has engaged members of the Ghanaian community in Belgium as part of her working visit to Brussels, where she emphasized government’s commitment to inclusive development, environmental protection, and the welfare of Ghanaians both home and abroad.
The meeting brought together Ghanaian chiefs, elders, members of the Ghana Council, and the youth, creating a platform for open dialogue on key national issues.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian community for their continuous contributions to national development and encouraged them to maintain strong ties with home.
“Do not forget Ghana. Your support and engagement remain vital to our nation’s growth. Government is committed to sustaining initiatives that bring tangible benefits to communities back home,” she said.
During the discussions, participants raised concerns about food safety, youth discipline, labor export, and illegal mining (galamsey) — issues the Vice President addressed in detail.
On illegal mining, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reiterated government’s determination to end the menace, noting that while mining has long been part of Ghana’s history, recent years have seen unprecedented environmental damage.
“Ghana has mined for generations, but never witnessed such destruction of our forests and water bodies. That must change,” she stressed. “New measures are being implemented to ban mining in forest reserves and water bodies. It will take time to fix the problem, but we have the resolve to restore our environment.”
Touching on food safety, she assured the community that the government is collaborating with research institutions to improve soil testing and promote safer, sustainable agricultural practices to ensure public health and food security.
Addressing issues of youth discipline and migration, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged parents in the diaspora not to present Ghana as an unwelcoming place to their children, but as a home full of potential and belonging.
“Our young people must think long-term and act with discipline. Every action has consequences. Ghana is a home that welcomes them with opportunities and hope,” she said.
On labor export, the Vice President acknowledged that the growing demand for Ghanaian workers abroad reflects the quality of local training but emphasized that their welfare and dignity must always be protected.
She also highlighted key government initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, designed to create jobs and stimulate inclusive growth both domestically and for members of the diaspora seeking to return home.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang concluded her engagement with a message of unity and shared responsibility.
“Together, we can build a Ghana that offers opportunities, fairness, and dignity for all,” she affirmed.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
