Stay or fly out of Ghana: Joy FM listeners share divided views on Abeiku Santana’s ‘opportunities’ argument

A heated debate has erupted on Joy FM over whether Ghanaians should remain in the country to find opportunities or travel abroad for better jobs and living conditions. This discussion followed comments by Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, who stated that Ghana still offers significant opportunities for those who can identify and pursue them.

Despite his stance that he would choose Ghana even with a $100,000 salary in the US or UK, his remarks sparked strong reactions from listeners.

Some listeners agreed that Ghana presents opportunities, while others argued that limited access to capital, jobs, and support makes it challenging for many young people to stay. One caller pointed out that discussing opportunities must also consider the financial difficulties faced by ordinary Ghanaians, questioning how they could capitalize on these opportunities without the necessary resources. He emphasized the disparity between having opportunities and lacking the means to take advantage of them.

Other callers expressed support for young people traveling abroad if they had the chance, provided they could return if they found life overseas unsatisfactory. Conversely, others, like Fred from Airport City, believed that Ghana remains the best place for those already employed, urging people to consider their mental health and wellbeing in their decision-making.

Kobby from Tema Camp challenged the notion that Ghanaians should reject attractive opportunities abroad, citing the unfairness of the comparison that ignores the lack of capital and support among young professionals in the country. He suggested that graduates could temporarily work abroad, save money, and return to establish themselves in Ghana later. Concerns were raised about job recruitment processes, where opportunities were often determined by personal connections rather than qualifications.

Rose from Accra advised young people to take advantage of opportunities abroad but return home with the skills and resources gained. William from Gomoa Police, sharing his experience in securing a job with an American company in Ghana, attributed the desire to leave to the lack of opportunities in the country. He criticized the belief that starting a business without capital is feasible and called for leaders to create conditions that enable young people to thrive and build sustainable livelihoods.