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Remittances and Ghana's Development: A Closer Look for Expats in Italy

Remittances and Ghana's Development: A Closer Look for Expats in Italy

04 Sep 2024


Over the last few decades, Ghana, a West African nation renowned for its abundant natural riches and rich cultural legacy, has witnessed substantial economic growth. Remittsances are one of the significant elements behind this transition. The money expatriates send home in the form of home remittances is essential to the economic prosperity and stability of many developing nations, including Ghana. Money transfer from Italy to Ghana is a lifeline that helps families, stimulates local economies, and advances the national development of Ghanaians residing overseas, particularly in Italy.

The Role and Contribution of Remittances to the Growth of the Ghanaian Economy

It is worth noting that remittances constitute an important and dependable source of revenue for many households in Ghana. The World Bank also suggests that remittance inflows to Ghana have been on the rise, and their significance to the Ghanaian economy is apparent from economic indicators like gross domestic product. It is spent on personal needs, including feeding, shelter, education, and medical expenses, which have led to enhanced living standards among recipients.

Economic Impact

Following are some of the factors that contribute to the economic impact:

Poverty Alleviation 

Remittance enable families to put extra money on the table in the face of an emergency, reducing poverty levels. This financial assistance allows the heads of households to meet their families' needs and invest in small-scale businesses, thus empowering them economically and keeping them busy.

Investment in Education and Health

Money remitted by immigrants is not only used for familial needs; about 40% of the money remitted is spent on education and healthcare. As such, since remittance assists in funding human capital development through, for instance, paying school fees or accessing medical services, the positive consequences of remittance are likely to enhance long-run economic growth.

Support for Small Businesses

Money is vital for the development of small enterprises since many recipients use it to establish or invest in business ventures. Such entrepreneurial activity leads to job creation and enhances the development of local economies and diversity, hence creating economic sustainability.

Boosting National Reserves

Interactions shown here demonstrate that remittances positively impact Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, thus enabling it to cope with external shocks while achieving exchange rate stability effectively.

Beyond Borders: The Expat Journey

Despite the availability of various transfer methods, Ghanaians in Italy face several challenges with an online money transfer from Italy to Ghana. High transfer fees, unfavorable exchange rates, and lengthy processing times often frustrate users. Additionally, concerns about security and fraud further deter many from utilizing online platforms. These challenges, coupled with limited access to reliable and affordable services, highlight the need for improved remittance options for Ghanaians in Italy:

High Transfer Fees

Transfer costs can be steep, particularly in poor countries; they may be higher for low-income earners in the new country. High fees are less favorable as they minimize the amount that the beneficiaries will receive.

Exchange Rate Volatility 

Charges differ across platforms and various exchange rates, which affect the final amount received in Ghanina Currency GHC. This means that whenever the local currency is weak in the foreign exchange markets, the value of remittances is also likely to diminish, and thus, the economic growth.

Regulatory Barriers

It is important to note that various countries have different legal provisions, especially concerning remittances. An expatriate can find it challenging to understand and avoid these regulations due to the sheer time it may take to figure out the rules governing them.

Access to Financial Services 

Although banking and financial institutions are present in most districts in Ghana, some rural districts are still underserved. This limitation might make it hard for the recipient to receive funds or to efficiently apply them where needed.

Sending Money to Ghana from Italy: Methods & Challenges

So, there are various channels through which Ghanaians can send money to Ghana from Italy. These methods include standard bank transfers, average bank drafts, regular international money transfers, and modern modes of transferring money, such as online remittances. The choice of the method depends on its advantages and drawbacks, which expatriates will have to face when deciding which method is the best.

Traditional Bank Transfers

Generally, the more conventional method of transferring money is traditional banking, from an Italian to a Ghanaian account. This method is considered more secure and effective but may incur high charges and longer transaction times. Also, for one to receive any amount, one has to have a bank account, a prevalent factor, especially in rural areas of Ghana.

Online Money Transfer Services

Digital technology has drastically shifted the way in which transactions, especially those involving money across borders, are carried out. Internet money transfers are one of the most effective ways of transferring money due to several advantages, including cost. 

ACE Money Transfer

ACE Money Transfer enables users to send money online, receive it in cash, or credit it to their bank account in Ghana by passing through a page. Making a transfer through this service is very fast, although the fees charged may depend on the amount of the transfer and the time taken to complete it.

Online Money Transfers: Step-by-Step Planning

Remittances are a lifeline for many families in Ghana, providing essential support for education, healthcare, and business ventures. To maximize the impact of their hard-earned money, expatriates in Italy should carefully consider their transfer options and adopt effective strategies. By understanding the remittance landscape and leveraging available resources, Ghanaians in Italy can optimize their transfers, reduce costs, and ensure that their funds reach their intended beneficiaries promptly and securely. To maximize the benefits of remittances, expatriates in Italy should consider the following strategies:

Compare Transfer Services

If you want to send money internationally, constantly research the various online transfer services to compare the charges, the rates of exchange, and the time taken to deliver the cash. By comparing the two, we can determine the service that is cheaper and more efficient in providing the best results.

Leverage Digital Platforms 

To send money online to Ghana from Italy, popular payment services with relatively lower charges and fair exchange rates should be chosen. The internet also offers individuals the convenience of transferring money through virtual means from the comfort of their homes.

Plan Transfers Strategically 

Make transfers when the rates would allow the most funds to reach the intended beneficiaries. It is also advised not to send money during high-traffic hours because such a transaction might be costlier.

Educate Recipients 

The banks in Ghana must inform the intended recipients of the various payout options they can use. It is suggested that they continue opting for mobile money or bank deposits with more convenience and security.

The Broader Impact of Remittances on Ghana's Development

Remittance also has a significant effect; it affects other segments of Ghana’s sociopolitical and economic fabric apart from individual households. These funds go to the relevant sectors to help promote the broad development agenda and maintain stability.
 

Infrastructure Development

Remittances can also help develop communal infrastructure. Through donations, people can support social amenities within the community, like schools, hospitals, and roads, among others. The following needs more elaboration: Increased accessibility and availability of infrastructure increase the quality of life in an area and also other economic activities.

Financial Inclusion

There is a need to raise awareness of formal financial services, which all amount to financial inclusion through remittances. When more citizens borrow money from banks or use their mobile phones for financial transactions, they receive other financial services and products, promoting economic development and financial security.

Human Capital Development

Remittances also help develop other sectors, such as education and health, which contribute to fine-tuning human capital. Education and health are critical ingredients that foster sustainable growth and human development.

Social Stability

They can also promote social inclusion by importing foreign currency to decrease income disparities or improve the welfare standard of unfortunate individuals. This stability allows for electoral activities, business ventures, and economic growth and development.

Remittances: A Catalyst for Ghana's Growth and Development

Remittances are essential to Ghana's growth since they help households financially and stimulate the country's economy. To send money to Ghana online from Italy is essential for Ghanaians residing in Italy to provide for their families and advance their country. The impact of remittance might be optimized by expatriates via strategic tactics and effective money transfer techniques.

FAQs

How important are the remittances for Ghana, and to what extent?

Money sent home is an essential source of foreign exchange earnings for Ghana, and indeed, it makes a significant contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product, stabilizing the economy. Migrants also bear the essential responsibility of supporting the incomes of many households and thus alleviating poverty.
 

In what ways do these remittance resources influence the welfare of Ghanaian families? 

The money they receive from overseas is beneficial in paying most household expenses, education fees, the first stages of business and health expenses. They cater to those in need during hard times, such as economic challenges.
 

Through which means does the Italy-based Ghanaian worker send his money back home? 

Money transfer services such as ACE and bank transfers exist as different channels for remittances to Ghana from Italy.
 

What role do remittances play in the expansion of Ghana's GDP?

Remittances boost investment and consumption, which directly helps increase Ghana's GDP. Additionally, they promote sectors and companies, which increases the economy as a whole.
 

What part do remittances play in Ghana's efforts to combat poverty?

Remittances play a significant role in minimizing poverty by offering disadvantaged households financial help so they may invest in small enterprises, healthcare, and education.


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