The Ghana government is very interested in utilizing the skills and contributions of the Ghanaian diaspora for more development, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee has said.

She has therefore asked them to contact the Ghana Mission in New York or any of the embassies abroad where Diaspora desks have been created to listen to their concerns, criticisms and suggestions, saying that "nothing is too small for Ghana's development. We are ready to assist you if you want to do something back home".

The Ambassador was addressing a dinner dance organized by the Council of Ghanaian Associations in New Jersey (COGA- NJ) at the Ramada Plaza Hotel at Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, (March 12, 2016) to mark Ghana's 59th independence anniversary,

"Think of how you can do more for the country" she charged them at the ceremony at which 14 scholarships were awarded to high school and college students by the Council.The students who have impressive academic excellence were selected from each of the 14 member associations that make COGA- NJ. Each beneficiary received $250 educational support. Four female cultural dancers were also given $250 as merit awards.

"Our forbears sacrificed a lot for Ghana and it is our duty to also contribute our quota. We expect more from you going forward", Mrs Pobee stated.

The Ambassador urged them to be proud as Ghanaians, saying that "Ghana's democracy is well known. In Africa, Ghana's democratic credentials stands out.Ghana is noted for its freedoms and respect for human rights".

Even though attempts to set a bench mark for economic development have not achieved all that the country wanted, she noted that various measures taken by the government are yielding fruitful results remarking that "We are doing better".

To buttress her argument, the Ambassador said the energy crisis that the country suffered recently had been solved, to the extent that there is energy surplus to export, adding that "the good thing is that when you go through challenges, you build resilience".

The government , she said greatly appreciated all the contributions of Ghanaians abroad, including their regular remittances which supports the economy and the donations to various groups .

Furthermore, she announced that the Ghana Mission in New York is installing new passport machines and will soon start an electronic visa and passport processing that will be efficient, stress-free and have an expedited UPS courier service, with regular update on each turn of the application processing. It will also have a website where applicants can give their views on issues.

The president of COGA-NJ, Mr. Ambrose Amoako, praised the members for their contributions, explaining that it was moneys and donations received from sponsors at functions like the dinner dance that are used to fund the scholarships.

On his part, Kwaku Amoo, Secretary General of the Council said the scholarships are given out annually to motivate the students in their academic pursuits.

Awards were presented to Mr. Ben Yartey, the first Secretary General of COGA-NJ and some sponsors for their various contributions to the council. The function was graced by the presence of Deputy Newark Mayor Ugo Nwakoro, friends of Ghana, chiefs, members of COGA , Mr. Bernard quantson, Consul General of Ghana in New York and Mr. R.Harry Reynolds, Head of information, Ghana Mission.