PLEASE STAY”: A NATION’S APPEAL IN A TIME OF DEPARTURE

 “PLEASE STAY” : A NATION’S APPEAL IN A TIME OF DEPARTURE

By : Honeybrowne Okaakyire 

In recent years, one message has echoed across Ghana’s social and professional landscape; people are leaving. From classrooms to hospitals, from lecture halls to laboratories, the story is becoming painfully familiar: skilled, energetic, graduates, abled, equipped, talented Ghanaians packing their bags in search of better opportunities abroad.

So when Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered Asantehene, made a heartfelt appeal urging Ghanaian professionals, especially teachers and nurses, to remain in the country, it struck a deep chord. His words, “Please stay, life in Ghana is better than life abroad,” are not just a statement. They are a plea, a reflection, and perhaps, a challenge.

As a teacher and someone who lives this reality daily, I find myself both moved and conflicted. Because while the message is noble, the truth on the ground is far more complex.

THE RISING TIDE OF BRAIN DRAIN IN GHANA

Now, What is 'Brain Drain'?

Brain drain refers to the movement of highly skilled, educated, and talented people from one country to another in search of better opportunities, living conditions, and career growth. In simple terms, it is when a country “loses its brains” ; doctors, teachers, engineers, nurses, and other professionals to other countries.

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Ghana is experiencing a serious brain drain. Nurses are leaving in large numbers. Teachers are applying for visas more than ever. Young graduates are not even waiting to “settle” before planning their exit.

Why?

Because for many, staying feels like surviving, while leaving feels like living.

In countries like United Kingdom, Canada, and United States, Ghanaian professionals are finding:

Better salaries

Improved working conditions

Access to modern facilities

Respect for their professions

Meanwhile, back home, many face delayed salaries, overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced hospitals, and limited career growth.

So when people hear “Please stay,” the question that quietly follows is: “Stay and endure what exactly?”

A KING’S PERSPECTIVE: WHY HIS WORDS MATTER

We must understand that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is not speaking from ignorance. As a traditional leader, he sees the long-term impact of this exodus.

When teachers leave, education suffers.

When nurses leave, healthcare weakens.

When professionals leave, the nation bleeds silently.

His appeal is rooted in patriotism and concern for Ghana’s future. A country cannot develop if its most skilled citizens continue to exit in large numbers.

And in some ways, he is right.

There is a kind of richness in Ghana that cannot be measured in pounds or dollars:

Family connections

Cultural identity

Social belonging

The warmth of community

Abroad, life can be structured, efficient and lonely.

THE REALITY ON THE GROUND: A DIFFERENT STORY

But let me be honest because this is personal.

As a teacher, I have seen colleagues burn out. I have seen passionate educators lose their zeal because the system does not reward effort. I have seen young teachers who once had dreams now counting days to leave.

In some classrooms:

One teacher handles over 50 students

Teaching materials are inadequate

Motivation is low

Salaries barely meet rising living costs

The teaching profession is always disrespected

So when someone finally gets an opportunity to travel, it doesn’t feel like betrayal. It feels like escape.

IS LIFE IN GHANA REALLY BETTER?

This is where the debate gets intense.

Is life in Ghana truly better than life abroad?

The answer is not a simple yes or no.

WHAT GHANA OFFERS

Strong family support systems

Cultural pride and identity

Lower emotional isolation

A sense of “home” that cannot be replicated

WHAT MANY SEEK ABROAD

Financial stability

Professional growth

Better infrastructure

Reliable systems

So the issue is not that Ghana has nothing to offer. The issue is that what it offers does not always align with the urgent needs of its professionals.

THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF STAYING OR LEAVING

This conversation is not just economic, it is emotional.

Leaving Ghana often means:

Missing family milestones

Raising children away from cultural roots

Living as a foreigner

But staying can also mean:

Constant financial pressure

Career stagnation

Frustration with systemic challenges

It is a difficult choice. And for many, it is not even a choice, it is a necessity.

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE?

If Ghana truly wants its professionals to stay, then the conversation must move beyond appeals.

We need action.

1. IMPROVED CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Teachers and nurses must be paid well not just enough to survive, but enough to live with dignity.

2. INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Schools and hospitals must be equipped with modern tools and resources.

3. PROFESSIONAL RESPECT

These professions must be valued, not just praised in speeches.

4. OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Workshops, promotions, and continuous development should be accessible.

5. POLICY CONSISTENCY

Frequent policy changes without implementation only deepen frustration.

A PERSONAL REFLECTION

I understand the King’s message. Truly, I do.

There is something deeply beautiful about Ghana. The laughter, the resilience, the sense of belonging, it is unmatched.

But love for country alone cannot pay bills.

Patriotism cannot replace opportunity.

And until the system begins to reward the very people it is asking to stay, the exodus will continue.

A MESSAGE TO BOTH SIDES

TO GHANAIAN PROFESSIONALS

Your desire for a better life is valid. Seeking growth is not betrayal. But wherever you go, carry Ghana with you. Build, invest, and contribute in any way you can.

TO LEADERS AND POLICY MAKERS

Appeals are not enough. Create conditions that make staying attractive, not just morally right, but practically rewarding.

CONCLUSION: BETWEEN HOPE AND REALITY

“Please stay” is a powerful message. It speaks to our hearts. It reminds us of who we are.

But people do not stay because they are told to.

They stay because they have reasons to.

If Ghana can become a place where professionals thrive, not just survive then staying will no longer be a sacrifice.

It will be a choice.

And a proud one at that.