Abroad Saga

It is not surprising to see Ghanaians today tick the “I must travel abroad” as an agenda of their long haul TO-DO List. One cannot convey from one location to another without seeing different posters in the commercial buses, street poles, and walks boldly written on them “study abroad” “work and Travel Abroad”. The perception that America or any other country outside Africa is a land of “opportunities and green pastures” for the future has drawn the soul of energy from the hearts of generally Ghanaians.

The silhouette picture of the enormous skyscrapers, the sunny sandy shorelines, the recreational centers and fancy dresses painted by the media through their programs has left most Ghanaians longing for such world to see.

It, however, not surprising that even tertiary students and graduates who have been instructed in their different colleges to wind up business people and change activists in the public eye mirror the settlement in abroad as the lucky ticket to load up the train of achievement. Why would a bird wish to leave the open airspace to be confined in a pen as an amusement for people? Why would the lion desire to leave the wilderness to be secured up in a zoo? This is contrary to some Ghanaians who have changed the phrase “home sweet home” to “bitter home “bitter” as they trust that there is no place like the overseas.

It is also unfortunate to see most leaders who are to reflect genuine models for the people, preferring to send their children and families abroad to study or for therapeutic treatment, forgetting that Ghana is the best-bound place for the entire world population to visit. The hospital and welcoming people, rich social legacy, and harmony and solidarity in Ghana is the thing that drives most outsiders to come to Ghana.

However, the question one should be asking is why have Ghanaians respected the unpleasant thought that abroad is the main way to progress? This is because of the economic idea and the overall mentality of the nation. The reality of the situation in nations abroad has laid down approaches and strategic policies that make life significantly less demanding and agreeable for its natives, subsequently the requirement for Africa nations to create wants and interests of the western world.

A typical precedent is, in the western world, cars can be purchased in installments which is convenient for even the middle-class citizen, whereas, in Ghana, a mill man has to work his head off through restless nights and sometimes through fraudulent activities in order to buy a car because those sold in Ghana are outrageously expensive.

It is high time Ghanaians appreciate and value their homeland, thereby, coming together to place their needs before the government, to make life a lot less demanding and helpful for all Ghanaians. Traveling abroad is not the key to becoming successful, believe me...

Hard work and living within one’s means is a much easier path to start on the road to success.

Image source: brainbolding.com