The early morning sun throws its enigmatic rays on the four parts of the country, much known to be the Gateway to Africa, located at the center of the earth and between latitudes 4°N and 11°N of the equator.
These rays are not just ordinary. They are rays that brim with strength, confidence and conviction. These key indicators, normally should be the tools for the millions of energetic young men and women of Ghana.
The hope, confidence and conviction are the very things the energetic young men and women need in order to make ends meet.
A small percentage of these young people have been lucky to have had solid foundations laid on rocks for them.
The other greater percentage on the other side of the aisle would have to strive, sweat and toil in laying firm foundations on rocks for themselves and their successors .
From time immemorial, the exodus of human resources has taken place. The unforgettable, being the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade, a practice that lasted for about 400 years. The repercussions of the aforementioned form of exodus is no news to us.
The practice however has not stopped, it rather has changed color and form; from being compelled to being willing to.
Once upon a time when young men and women were sold has today become something which the young men and women rather sought to be ‘sold’ or ‘exchanged’ by whatever means left all in the name of survival.
The present day Ghanaian young man could have helped built the Ghanaian economy, but the story is different.
Ghana is gradually losing her destined bona-fides to the West.
It has been, is and will not be a crime for people to seek greener pastures abroad. Same as this will not be an offense, however, this becomes a disservice and an overlooking practice when hundreds of thousands of young people flee to seek greener pastures abroad. 2
The very young men and women cannot be blamed as they opine that, that is the only option left for survival.
A March 2023 report by classfmonline.com suggests that per Ghana Statistical Service’s data, over 289000 Ghanaians traveled abroad in 2021, out of this, 73% ran to seek employment.
Same report from sister online medium suggests that 75% of Ghanaians want to travel abroad.
Political leaders are always of the view that they want to build the Ghanaian economy to become a robust one.
In one of President Akufo-Addo’s address to curb, manage and control the spread of the deadly pandemic that has become an albatross (COVID-19), he said “We know how to bring the economy back to life. What we do not know is how to bring back human life that has been lost” The cheers and acclamation from across the globe, not news to us.
This economy which needs to be brought back to life will need the muscles, brains, knowledge and intellect of the young men and women who have traveled, are traveling and would want to travel abroad.
Though the pronouncements by the speaker sparked hope, conviction and confidence, there has been dejection, the brimming hope has been dimmed, the flourishing confidence has been malnourished.
The Ghanaian young men and women would prefer to travel abroad, to indirectly help build the economy of the west. The western economy will be built, the managers of the Ghanaian economy will go to the West for aid.
And so Fellow Ghanaians, the hour has come, looking at the alarming rate of young men and women wanting to travel abroad, for the Ghanaian leaders to take a critical look at this practice again.
Whether breaking the 8 or halting the 8, 24-hour economy or Digital economy, the Ghanaian young man and woman will be needed to prosecute this agendum.
Rise up! Ghanaian leaders.
God bless my homeland Ghana.
By: Emmanuel Kwaku Frimpong (Madiba)|| Email: ekfmadiba95@gmail.com
