The Home-Coming Steering Committee UK is now to be called Non-Resident Ghanaians Association, UK and Ireland with immediate effect.

Rev. Mark Adu-Gyamfi Chairman of the organisation told newsmen in London after a meeting with Mr. Kwesi Abeasi, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information and former National Co-ordinator of the Home-Coming Office in Accra.

He said the adoption of a new name had arisen because of the need to make the association more meaningful to Ghanaians abroad.

He praised the Government for heeding to popular request by setting up a permanent Secretariat for Ghanaians abroad and added that the Secretariat would serve as a one-stop portal to handle the pressing needs of Ghanaians.

Rev. Adu-Gyamfi revealed that a mini conference for representative groups abroad would be held during the latter part of August to enable them to be briefed on the investment opportunities available and the way forward.

On the deliberations, Rev. Adu Gyamfi said Mr. Abeasi touched on plans for the setting up of a Non-resident Ghanaian Fund which would be managed privately with trustees for Ghanaians abroad to contribute into and earn interest as well.

He said the GIPC had established a land acquisition support desk to help investors secure land for their investment while land banks had been secured from various traditional rulers who are willing to attract investments into their area.

On his part, Mr. Asamoah Boateng was reported to have advised members of the groups abroad to publicise their activities and work on how to mobilise more people to understand the concept behind the formation of Non-resident groups.

He reminded Ghanaians groups abroad of the need to maintain regular contact with the Secretariat headed by Mr. Kwabena Antwi of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and channel all their requests through him.

In his contribution, Mr. Kwabena Antwi reiterated the seriousness the GIPC attached to investments from non-resident Ghanaians and added that a page of the GIPC’s website had been dedicated to issues concerning non-resident Ghanaians.