Ghanaians are presently facing unprecedented economic hardship. Days ago, our Finance Minister , the authority around which our economy revolves, has suggested that “Ghana needs a miracle”. Doesn’t that indicate the direness of our economic downturns? Some may have decided to live in denial, but we have surely moved from being on a “treadmill” to getting on a slippery slope and going down hill.
Indeed we need a miracle, perhaps the reason our decision makers have remained entrenched in their position about building a ” cathedral” for “God” who has uncountable homes here in Ghana, Africa, the world and most importantly has our hearts to live in. Yes we have been made to believe God desperately needs a home. More urgent that classrooms for schools under trees. God will always bless Ghana.
But in fairness, do you agree that God may firstly consider doing a miracle in the well endowed and poverty-stricken Central African Republic a “more Christian” or religious country before Ghana gets her share of economic recovery miracles? Or may be it is true,just like most preachers have suggested,”Ghana is chosen”,and as God’s favorite,we will receive our miracle regardless of the long queue of more Christian and religious nations because of “grace” and “favor”.
How much more entitled can we even feel? Expecting God to fix problems created by us? The right thing would have been for our soft spoken minister to have fallen on his own sword for others to inject fresh ideas but..
Some have likened today’s hardship to that which was documented in 1983-1984.These economic decline goes with a domino effect.Of the many negative ripple effects, Ghana faces the threat of Human Capital Flight/ Brain Drain. Human Capital Flight is the emigration or immigration of professionals and educated from one country to the other.
Imminent is a significant exodus of Ghanaian Youths and younger adults to destinations in America, Europe,Australia,parts of Africa and more.Although the said destinations may have their challenges (sting of COVID-19 and Russia and Ukraine War), they remain preferable as the fate of our country and our economic recovery lies in a balance.
There is currently a passport booklet shortage but records indicate close to about 100,000 applications are pending.On a daily basis more people besiege passport offices all over the country.Ghana may soon join Ethiopia,Nigeria,Kenya,China.Mexico,Malaysia,Iran as part of the countries with huge brain drain.
Countries that receive these hordes of professional Ghanaians eventually experience “Brain Gain”. Ghana loses a lot of its quality human Capital to other nations.Many Ghanaians who have travelled out have naturalized over time and some hold dual citizenship.As nationals of other countries also walk into the country and are able to acquire Ghanaian passports and Ghanacards through inappropriate means, Ghanaians could also afford themselves the experience of migration.
In a world where technology and innovation is bolstering economic growth,Ghana may face more stagnation,higher cost of living and a further dip in economic growth through brain drain.
Saint Augustine has said before that “the world is a book,and those who do no travel read only one page”.However, as Ghana goes through changes should she lose her beautiful children to the world ? Who takes care of poor, ageing unprepared Ghana when her children who are her social security are being chased away from her?
Long Live Mother Ghana
Author: Charles Dumenu
Source: The Independent Ghana
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