SSAW in Ghana: Strengthening Diaspora Engagement and International Cooperation
Accra, Ghana – 15 October 2026
Building bridges between communities and countries
On 15 October 2026, Khalid Abaker, Secretary of the Coordinamento Italiano delle Diaspore per la Cooperazione Internazionale (CIDCI) and a representative of SSAW – Support Survivors of African War, participated in the event “Migration Stories & Opportunities: Voices from the Ghanaian Diaspora,” held in Accra, Ghana.
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of diaspora communities in international cooperation, sustainable development, and the creation of stronger connections between countries of origin and countries of residence.
For SSAW, participation in this initiative reflects the importance of dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation among organizations and institutions working to support communities affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
The diaspora as a resource for development and solidarity
Diaspora communities contribute to society in many ways, including through professional skills, knowledge, cultural connections, community networks, and transnational partnerships. Their experiences can help strengthen relationships between institutions and communities while creating opportunities for cooperation and sustainable development.
Discussions at the Accra event highlighted the importance of recognizing diaspora communities not only for their connections with their countries of origin, but also for their capacity to contribute to development initiatives and international partnerships.
SSAW recognizes the value of these connections. Communities affected by war and displacement need solidarity, opportunities, and meaningful engagement with institutions and civil society organizations. Diaspora networks can help strengthen these links and bring greater attention to humanitarian needs.
Strengthening institutional dialogue
The event also offered an opportunity to engage with the broader cooperation ecosystem involving institutional stakeholders such as the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Embassy of Italy in Ghana, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Through its membership in CIDCI, SSAW supports efforts to strengthen dialogue between diaspora organizations and institutional actors, encouraging collaboration that recognizes the knowledge, experiences, and contributions of diaspora communities.
Such dialogue can help create conditions for more inclusive approaches to international cooperation, in which communities are recognized as active participants rather than simply recipients of support.
From international cooperation to humanitarian solidarity
SSAW – Support Survivors of African War works to promote solidarity with people and communities affected by armed conflicts across Africa, while strengthening connections between Italy and countries of origin.
The organization believes that international cooperation should remain attentive to the human consequences of war, displacement, and instability. Alongside emergency support and humanitarian awareness, building relationships, sharing knowledge, and strengthening community networks are important elements of long-term solidarity.
Engagement with diaspora initiatives and international cooperation platforms provides opportunities to connect these priorities with wider conversations about sustainable development and community resilience.
Looking ahead
SSAW welcomes opportunities to strengthen cooperation with diaspora organizations, civil society, and institutional stakeholders. The exchange in Accra offered a valuable moment to reflect on how diaspora engagement can contribute to stronger partnerships and more inclusive development processes.
As a member of CIDCI, SSAW remains committed to promoting solidarity, raising awareness of humanitarian crises, and supporting initiatives that connect communities across borders.
Our message is clear: diaspora communities can help build bridges between countries, while solidarity and cooperation must remain centred on people, dignity, and the needs of communities affected by conflict.
About SSAW – Support Survivors of African War
SSAW is committed to promoting humanitarian solidarity with communities affected by wars in Africa, raising awareness of humanitarian crises, and strengthening connections between Italy and countries of origin.
Peace, dignity, and solidarity have no borders.