Veteran filmmaker warns against political wrangling as debate over Ghana’s diaspora initiative intensifies
ACCRA, Ghana — Veteran Ghanaian filmmaker and media personality Socrate Safo has issued a strong warning against what he describes as “petty politics” around Ghana’s Beyond the Return initiative.
Safo’s comments have reignited conversation about the programme and the need to protect its broader objectives from political disagreements.
Socrate Safo raises concern
In a strongly worded intervention, Safo urged stakeholders to avoid allowing political disputes to overshadow the purpose of Beyond the Return.
His warning comes amid broader discussions about how Ghana can sustain and strengthen initiatives designed to deepen engagement with the African diaspora.
For Safo, the focus should remain on the opportunities and long-term benefits associated with the programme rather than political rivalry.
A programme with a global audience
Beyond the Return was launched as a Ghanaian initiative aimed at encouraging Africans in the diaspora to visit, connect with and invest in Ghana.
Over the years, the programme has become associated with tourism, investment, cultural exchange and efforts to strengthen Ghana’s relationship with the global African diaspora.
Its activities have also contributed to Ghana’s efforts to position itself as a destination for diaspora engagement.
“Don’t destroy it”
Safo’s central message is a call for caution.
By warning against “petty politics,” he is urging those involved in discussions surrounding the initiative to consider its longer-term significance rather than allowing political disagreements to dominate the conversation.
His remarks have since generated reactions, particularly among those interested in Ghana’s tourism, creative industries and diaspora engagement.
The bigger question
Beyond the political debate lies a broader question about how national programmes can maintain continuity and public confidence when governments, political parties and other stakeholders disagree over their management.
Safo’s intervention has therefore added his voice to calls for greater attention to the programme’s underlying objectives.
For now, his message is clear: whatever political differences may exist, he believes they should not come at the expense of an initiative intended to connect Ghana with the global African community.
