In recent years, an alarming trend has taken root among Ghanaian youth, both skilled and unskilled, who are increasingly seeking greener pastures in more economically advanced countries.
This exodus is often undertaken through perilous routes, including the treacherous deserts of North Africa and the dangerous crossings of the Mediterranean Sea and most recently through North America.
This unsettling phenomenon, has been gaining momentum, driven by a combination of persistent political, economic, and social challenges across the region.
Despite various efforts to stem this tide, the underlying issues remain unresolved. Leaders in our part of the world have repeatedly failed to tackle the root causes that compel young people to look elsewhere for better opportunities.
Recent data shared by the United States Embassy in Accra highlights the magnitude of this migration drive. During its Consular Media Day on May 9, 2025, the Embassy revealed that it received over 61,000 visa applications from Ghanaians in 2024.
At the prevailing visa fee of $160 for non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas, this represents an estimated $10 million spent by Ghanaians aspiring to travel to the U.S. Of these, 25,000 visas were issued, while the remaining 36,000 applications were either denied or left incomplete.
Commenting on the figures, U.S. Consular General Elliot Fertik reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to welcoming Ghanaians interested in studying, working, investing, or doing business in America, so long as they adhere to legal and immigration protocols.
The substantial financial and emotional investment by Ghanaian youth in search of opportunities abroad underscores a deeper crisis at home. It reflects not only widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs but also a lack of confidence in the nation’s ability to provide viable economic opportunities.
Addressing this problem requires more than rhetoric. It demands strong political will and a deliberate, strategic approach to national development.
We believe that unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s natural resources, especially through value addition in the solid minerals sector and revitalizing agriculture can go a long way in creating meaningful jobs.
Years of poor governance and entrenched corruption, have systematically eroded the country’s prospects.
Electoral malpractices have compounded the issue, leading to the emergence of leaders who are often unaccountable and disconnected from the aspirations of ordinary citizens. The result is a nation brimming with resources, yet mired in poverty and underdevelopment.
To reverse this trend, Ghana must diversify its economy by investing in key growth sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
These sectors hold the potential to absorb a large segment of the youth population. Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are critical engines of job creation, must also be prioritized.
In addition, infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, energy, and telecommunications can stimulate employment and foster long-term economic growth.
The loss of human capital through migration, often referred to as “brain drain,” is particularly troubling.
Ghana invests significant resources in training its workforce, only to watch these talents contribute to the development of foreign economies. This is unsustainable.
In conclusion, the solution to youth migration lies in bold, homegrown strategies aimed at creating opportunities, restoring trust in leadership, and unlocking the immense potential within our borders. Only then can we begin to tame this scourge and offer our youth a future worth staying for.
