According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, six out of every ten Ghanaians have pondered leaving the nation owing to present economic issues.
The statistic represents a 20% rise over the 41% recorded in 2017 when President Nana Akufo-Addo took office.
Similarly, the survey, dated December 17, 2024, shows that 44% of Ghanaians have actively considered leaving the nation, up more than 100% from 20% in 2017.
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development conducted the Afrobarometer poll in August 2024, which included 2,400 Ghanaian individuals.
The poll found that work opportunities were the most important motivation for seeking greener pastures abroad.
This was closely followed by financial hardship or destitution. Tourism and better business possibilities were chosen as the primary reasons for leaving the country by 3% of respondents, while education was chosen by 2%.
Another finding that demonstrates the concerning trend of brain drain is that the highly educated portion of the population has seriously considered leaving the nation.
The report says:
The most likely to consider emigrating are the highly educated citizens (78% of those with postsecondary education) and the youth (72% of those aged 18 to 35).
The poll also reveals:
More than two-thirds (68%) of Ghana’s unemployed have considered leaving the country, with about as many part-time workers (65%) and full-time workers (63%) considering emigration.
North America topped the list, with 55% of respondents choosing it as their preferred location when considering emigration. This is followed by Europe with 24%, while South America, the Middle East, and Asia are each preferred by 3% of respondents.