Prospects and feasibility of diaspora bond: The case of Ghana

Abstract

This study sought to establish the rationale, feasibility, conditions, determinants and hindrances of a successful issuance of a diaspora bond by Ghana as a sovereign economic entity. The study also sought to assess the willingness of the Ghanaian diaspora to patronise a diaspora bond. A total of 12 financial institutions within Accra and 113 Ghanaians living in the diaspora were contacted using the purposive sampling method. The study finds that Ghana has patriotic citizens in the diaspora who are ready to patronize its diaspora bonds. It was also found that prospective investors of Ghana's diaspora bond find GDP growth and political stability as the most favourable indicators in pulling investors. The study concludes that though internal weaknesses and external threats exist, Ghana stands a good chance for a successful diaspora bond issue with an anticipated high patronage by Ghanaians in the diaspora.