Ghanaian utilization of retired and diaspora expertise

A study by the Centre for Retired Experts (CREX) conducted in February 2026 found that 96% of surveyed Ghanaian pensioners are willing to work beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60. The research indicated that while nearly all respondents are willing to mentor younger professionals and 88% are prepared to serve as advisers or board members, approximately 93% were unaware of platforms to offer their expertise. Dr. Adam Salifu, a researcher at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), noted that the primary challenge is a lack of coordination mechanisms.

Following these findings, Ghanaian leaders and researchers have called for new strategies to utilize the expertise of both the diaspora and retired professionals for national development. Council of State member Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple urged the creation of structured channels for diaspora professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology to provide mentorship and technical expertise. This follows the CREX data showing that while 90% of retirees are willing to mentor, only about one in five remains professionally active, highlighting a gap between available skills and existing engagement systems.