Ghana, a country with undeniable cultural and natural wealth, is facing a worrying phenomenon: a significant increase in the number of its citizens wishing to leave their homeland to settle elsewhere. According to a recent study conducted by the pan-African institute Afrobarometer, more than six out of ten people express this desire to expatriate, marking an increase of more than 20 points in just seven years. This figure, which even reaches seven out of ten young people aged 18-35, reveals an alarming trend.
The reasons for this massive desire to leave Ghana are mainly linked to the growing economic difficulties faced by the population. David Darko, an analyst at Afrobarometer Ghana, points out that the country is currently in default on its debt, which has led to a drastic restructuring program with negative consequences on the economy and employment opportunities. These worrying economic factors are exacerbated by deep structural problems such as corruption, nepotism and poor governance.
While the recent election of a new president may provide some hope, the challenges facing Ghana require deeper and more lasting solutions. According to David Darko, a simple change of government will not be enough to solve the country’s endemic problems. What is needed is a complete overhaul of the country’s democratic and governmental structure, regardless of the party in power.
The expression of this desire to expatriate is also manifested through voters’ disenchantment with their leaders, as evidenced by the low turnout in elections. In 2024, this rate was only 60%, almost 20 percentage points lower than the previous election.
Faced with this worrying phenomenon, it is essential that the Ghanaian authorities take concrete measures to create a favourable economic and political environment, offering prospects for the future to their population and encouraging them to stay in their country. Ghanaian youth, full of potential and energy, deserve a promising future in their native land, far from the temptation of exile for non-existent opportunities.