AHASPORA PROFESSIONALS NETWORK HOLDS INAUGURAL DIASPORA ROUNDTABLE SERIES ON FAMILY BUSINESS, AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT.

From Emmanuel ADU GYAMFI

Ahaspora Professionals Network (Ahaspora) has organised 

the Inaugural Diaspora Roundtable Series on Tuesday at the British Council on the topic, “Nurturing Legacy: Family Business

and Africa's Development”.

Topics discussed

offered opportunities for economic and social impact through investments and remittances, as well as identifying collaborative give - back opportunities.

Family businesses hold a unique place in the fabric of African

society, embodying not only financial success but also a deep sense of legacy, tradition, and shared values. 

As Ghanaians from the Diaspora, it recognizes the importance of acknowledging and

celebrating the vital role of family businesses in shaping Africa's

development. 

The event delved into common mistakes by family

businesses and unpuzzle opportunities to thrive.

Objectives of the organisation is to promote knowledge sharing among experts, entrepreneurs, and

stakeholders on how to run family businesses, focusing on

challenges, successes and innovations.

Ahaspora explore how family businesses can be positioned to enhance legacy while promoting development, discuss opportunities to ensure sustainability of family

businesses based on real life experiences, foster connection, collaboration, and network building among panelists and participants.

Being more intentional about our support program for diasporans,

Ahaspora has curated the Diaspora Roundtable Series to initiate

deliberations on concrete ways through which the human capital of

the Diaspora can be leveraged to its fullest. 

Moderator and Panelists of the event included Mary Asamoah, CEO of Barbex Co. Ltd (2 generation

family business, mining logistics).

Others were Elikem Tamaklo, CEO Nyaho Hospital (2 generation family business, healthcare), Ashish Gokaldas, Golkals Eye Care (Lawyer supporting family businesses (TBC)

The underlying theme is “Changing Mindsets, Channeling our Future” which stemmed from our belief that by fostering informed minds through giving back, Ghana's future is poised to be great.

To promote intimate discussions and intentional partnership

building, there was an in - person event of 35 participants, but the

event also streamed live for virtual participation, reaching

the diaspora and beyond. 

Ahaspora is an organization established 12 years ago to promote Brain Gain by providing a support system for Ghanaian

professionals and like - minded individuals who are thinking about or have returned home, and to provide a forum for this group to positively impact our society.

The organisation recognizes the immense potential, talent and opportunity that exist in Ghana, and this inspires us to use our knowledge, skills, and resources to help make Ghana a better place to live.

 “Aha” is an Akan word for "Here" and “Spora™ is a stem of Diaspora. This name befits our new status of being home but coming from and having the mindset of the Diaspora.

 The group aim to share ideas and experiences in building a true “Gateway to Africa” by bridging the gap between us who left and those who held the fort.

Since its inception in April 2011, the group has proliferated,

increasing from 11 members to over 2000. 

Ahaspora provides an

online listserv for its members where questions range between job

openings and upcoming conferences, to questions about

transitioning home or finding storage boxes in Accra! 

The listserv has proven useful to many members and has gained traction, particularly among Ghanaians in the diaspora who are thinking about moving home. Members have also shared that they have found jobs as a result of their participation. 

Other activities include a monthly social networking session; a speaker series; and participation in various community activities such as marathons and fundraising for orphans and other vulnerable populations.