Some individuals might go to extreme lengths, even selling a kidney, if that’s what it takes to travel abroad. Others are willing to part with everything they own just to "jakpa" (relocate), as home no longer feels like home.
I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of Ghanaians selling off all their belongings, only to hand the proceeds to an agent in hopes of securing a visa. Even more distressing are tales of stowaways enduring unimaginable suffering just to leave the country.
Indeed, if anyone has repeatedly escaped the clutches of death, it is those who have braved the perilous Mediterranean Sea and scorching deserts in pursuit of a life in Europe. Once a person is determined to travel, not even the looming threat of death deters them.
For many, life abroad is a dreamland—something they’d do anything to attain. To them, relocating is akin to stepping into a magical changing room, where poverty is shed and wealth is gained. Their top priority is leaving, even if it means sacrificing everything.
In churches, blessings are often associated with traveling abroad. Parents who once opposed long-distance marriages within Ghana eagerly embrace unions with partners overseas. We have been raised to believe that life is more promising abroad.
My mother once told me about a friend who, whenever he visited Ghana, had to sneak out of town because every morning, a long queue of people gathered, expecting gifts. Since he lived abroad, it was assumed he was wealthy. In his absence, his church even made him the chairman of a fundraising event, assuming he could contribute more than the entire congregation. Perhaps money grows on trees abroad!
Our perceptions shape our actions. The way we were raised to idolize life abroad has deeply influenced us. No wonder some would go to any lengths to get there.
Of course, there are numerous opportunities overseas, and many Ghanaians have found success after relocating. However, while location plays a role in success, one’s mindset is the most critical factor.
It is troubling to meet young people who believe their only path to success is through migration. Thinking that one’s life will amount to nothing unless they leave Ghana is a dangerous mindset. While location matters, a poor mindset can make even the best opportunities seem worthless.
Some assume that life’s principles change abroad, but they do not. The systems may differ, but the rules of success remain the same. Whether in Ghana or overseas, success takes time, effort, and consistency—there are no shortcuts.
Relocating does not alter one’s destiny—it only changes their environment. True transformation begins with a shift in mindset.
If someone is determined to succeed only by leaving Ghana but has a poor mindset, they could end up living on Downing Street yet still struggle as they would in Accra.
Many blame Africa’s problems on leadership, yet when given the chance to lead, they often perform worse than those they criticized. Ironically, today’s leaders once condemned the corruption of previous generations, only to perpetuate the same cycle.
The reality is that Ghana’s biggest challenge is not just leadership—it’s a mindset problem. When people aren’t in power, they recklessly spend on lavish weddings and funerals. When they gain power, this same attitude reflects in wasteful government spending.
A true change in mindset should be evident in work ethics, morality, and discipline. If you habitually litter in Ghana, life abroad will be a struggle. If you assume success overseas requires little effort, you are mistaken.
Instead of obsessing over escaping, imagine channeling the same energy into building something meaningful in Ghana. Imagine if people pursued their local dreams as relentlessly as they pursued visas.
Migration should never be seen as the only path to success. If given an opportunity to travel for growth, seize it. But never believe that without relocating, you cannot become the best version of yourself.
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