By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, May 3, GNA – The Reverend Canon Dr Lawrence Tetteh has cautioned that mistrust between Africa and its Diaspora is undermining the developmental impact of remittances.
Speaking at the fifth African Diaspora Christian Conference (AFReG 5) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, he said financial inflows from Africans abroad had surpassed foreign direct investment (FDI) and official development assistance (ODA), but had not translated into strong partnerships.
“In 2023, African diaspora remittances exceeded 100 billion dollars, surpassing both foreign direct investment and official development aid.
“Yet surveys consistently show deep relational mistrust between diaspora communities and local African counterparts. Money is flowing, but trust is not. Prosperity without relationship is charity, not partnership,” he said.
The conference, on the theme: “Building Bridges to Oneness, Prosperity, and Generosity,” brought together African and Diaspora Christian leaders to promote collaboration in faith, leadership and development.
Dr. Tetteh said perceptions on both sides continued to widen the divide, with some on the continent viewing the Diaspora as distant, while some in the Diaspora regarded Africa as unstable and difficult to engage.
“Let us be honest about a real tension in this room and in our communities.
“For many on the continent, the Diaspora is seen as those who left, who took their gifts to build other nations, who send remittances but retain a distance, and who return with foreign accents and assumptions.
“And for many in the Diaspora, the continent feels chaotic, ungrateful, or dangerous, a place to assist from afar but not to invest in deeply,” he stated.
Dr. Tetteh said migration trends, particularly among young Africans, reflected deeper challenges of identity and purpose, citing the “Japa” movement in Nigeria as an example.
Beyond economic motivations, he noted, many migrants experienced disconnection from cultural roots and spiritual identity.
Dr. Tetteh called for renewed engagement based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and honest dialogue to rebuild trust between Africa and its Diaspora.
“Reconciliation between the Diaspora and the continent is not achieved by sentimental ‘Year of Return’ tourism campaigns, important as those can be.
“It requires honest dialogue. It requires the Diaspora to relinquish saviour complexes and listen. It requires the continent to relinquish resentment and welcome. It requires both to recognise that they need each other,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo
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