A popular Ghanaian highlife musician, Amakye Dede, once hinted in one of his songs in the Akan dialect that: “Nkuro dooso, yentena faako engye animguase” literally meaning, “There are many towns or cities, so one should not remain in one place for too long lest hardship or disgrace overtake him
The song reflects a long-held belief among many Africans: opportunities may exist elsewhere, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to take a bold step into a new environment.
For many Ghanaians today, that “bold step” increasingly points toward “Abrokyire”.
One day, while listening to a radio discussion, a caller passionately declared that if Ghana were to offer free visas and air tickets to any Western country for just 24 hours, there would be an overwhelming queue at the airport.
He added that he would not hesitate to sell all his property just to settle in Europe.
He concluded confidently: “We’ll make it in abrokyire.”
That statement reflects the mindset of many young people in Ghana today. For some, travelling abroad is no longer merely an option; it has become a dream, an ambition, and sometimes even a perceived escape from hardship.
Recently, i chanced on a story of a Ghanaian headteacher who returned home after spending a year in Europe.
It nearly moved me to tears. He had reportedly abandoned his job in search of better opportunities abroad, only to return home with virtually “nothing.” How disappointing!
According to him, he washed plates in restaurants, but his earnings were not enough to sustain his stay. Eventually, he decided to return to Ghana.
“Abrokyire” is a local Akan expression commonly used to describe travelling abroad, especially to Western countries.
For decades, many people have associated it with success, wealth, dignity, and opportunity.
Growing up, individuals who travelled abroad were often treated with admiration upon their return.
Family and friends gathered to welcome them home, hoping for gifts and exciting stories.
Farewell parties and prayers were organised before they travelled.
These gestures reflected how important migration was, not only to the individual, but also to families and entire communities.
Students and the migration dream
In Senior High School and tertiary institutions, students are often encouraged to work hard in order to secure a better future.
Yet, in many conversations among the youth, “a better future” increasingly appears to mean leaving Ghana.
Some SHS and university graduates openly dream of relocating abroad immediately after school.
Others hope to further their education overseas and eventually settle there permanently.
Social media has also intensified this desire. Photos of luxurious lifestyles abroad often create the impression that life outside Ghana is automatically successful and comfortable.
For many young people, the phrase “I want to travel” has become synonymous with progress.
This growing desire to migrate is reflected in recent findings. Afrobarometer’s Round 10 survey revealed that a majority of Ghanaians—especially the youth and highly educated citizens—have considered emigrating, mainly to seek employment opportunities or escape economic hardship.
North America and Europe remain the most preferred destinations (Maame Akua Amoah Twum & Elena Weinreich, 2025).
But the reality is often more complicated.
Desperation
For some Ghanaians, travelling abroad appears to be the only route to survival.
Economic hardship, unemployment, peer pressure, and the desire for social recognition have pushed many into desperation.
Unfortunately, this desperation has made some people vulnerable to fraudsters popularly known as “connection men.”
A report by Citi Newsroom highlighted a disturbing case in Kasoa where a suspect linked to human trafficking was arrested. According to the report, a young man was promised employment in Spain after paying GH₵10,000 for travel processing.
Instead, he was allegedly abandoned in Burkina Faso and pressured to recruit others in order to recover his money.
Such stories reveal how hope can easily be manipulated.
In some cases, the desperation to travel abroad has exposed vulnerable people to exploitation and abuse.
Recently, reports also emerged of some Ghanaians allegedly being kidnapped and held hostage in Côte d’Ivoire by suspected scammers who had promised to assist them in travelling abroad. Following the incident, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister cautioned the public to be wary of schemes that promise overseas jobs and easy migration opportunities.
These incidents expose the dangerous extremes some individuals are pushed to in their quest for life abroad.
Others who cannot afford official travel processes resort to dangerous journeys through deserts and seas. Some lose their lives before even reaching their destinations.
It is heartbreaking to hear stories of people who sold lands, houses, and valuable properties simply to secure opportunities abroad, only to later regret their decisions.
One story that shocked many Ghanaians was when members of Ghana’s Paralympic team reportedly absconded during a tournament in Europe. Even more troubling were reports that some officials dispatched to investigate the matter also failed to return.
Not only that. Some even exchange their dignity for survival.
A few years ago, a man reportedly confessed to helping university graduates travel abroad for prostitution while sharing in the proceeds.
In a case reported by MyJoyOnline in 2014, a man identified as Kumi allegedly recruited young Ghanaian women, collected “processing fees,” and sent them to Kuwait, where they were reportedly forced into prostitution
These incidents illustrate the extent to which a desperate desire for a better life abroad can influence people’s decisions.
Hope
Yet, migration is not entirely a story of pain.
There are people who travelled abroad, worked t their families.
Others travelled for academic purposes and, after completing their studies, secured legal opportunities to work and settle abroad.
For many households in Ghana, remittances from relatives overseas remain essential for survival. Some migrants sponsor the education of younger siblings, support ageing parents, and finance businesses back home.
Indeed, many families have experienced significant improvement in their living conditions because one relative travelled abroad.
This partly explains why the dream of abrokyire remains powerful despite the risks involved.
Unintended consequences
However, migration also carries painful consequences.
Ghana continues to lose skilled professionals, especially nurses and healthcare workers, to emigration. This creates shortages within hospitals and increases pressure on the few professionals who remain.
Some migrants arrive abroad only to struggle with loneliness, exploitation, homelessness, and emotional stress. Others are forced into difficult jobs and harsh living conditions simply to survive.
Some leave behind spouses, children, and ageing parents for many years. Over time, relationships weaken, families become emotionally distant, and children grow up without parental presence.
What initially looked like a journey toward greener pastures sometimes turns into pressure, pain, regret, and silent suffering.
Migration, therefore, is neither entirely glamorous nor entirely hopeless.
Behind the photographs, social media posts, and success stories are sacrifices that are rarely discussed publicly.
Perhaps the real issue is not simply why people want to leave Ghana, but why many feel they must leave at all costs in order to survive or feel valued.
Until opportunities become more accessible and living conditions improve, the dream of abrokyire will continue to shape the aspirations of many young Ghanaians.
And somewhere, someone will still say with confidence:
“We’ll make it in abrokyire.”
By HENRY ATTA NYAME
Institutional Assessment Practitioner
hattanyame@gmail.com
