Nigeria: “If you get chance to leave Ghana, don’t look back”
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has stirred strong reactions online after advising young people to leave the country if given the opportunity — and not to look back.
The comment, made during a recent discussion, quickly went viral and has dominated conversations across social media, talk shows, and among everyday Ghanaians debating migration, opportunity, and patriotism.
While the exact context of her remarks was part of a broader conversation about jobs, cost of living, and youth prospects, the line that caught fire was direct:
Nana Aba Anamoah is one of Ghana’s most prominent broadcasters. As a TV host, journalist, and public commentator, her opinions often carry weight and spark debate. This time was no different.
She did not elaborate in the clip that circulated widely, but the statement alone was enough to ignite thousands of responses within hours.
Ghanaians already feel. With rising unemployment, high cost of living, inflation, and limited opportunities in some sectors, many graduates and skilled workers have been leaving for Europe, North America, and other African countries in search of better pay and stability.
For many, her words felt like validation — an acknowledgment from a respected public figure that leaving is sometimes the only practical choice.
statement dangerous and unpatriotic. They argued that telling people “don’t look back” discourages nation-building and ignores the role of citizens in fixing the country’s problems.
Others pointed out that migration is not easy and that romanticizing life abroad ignores the struggles many face as immigrants.
Nana Aba’s comment touched a nerve because it reflects a debate that has been ongoing in Ghana for years: brain drain vs. nation-building.
Every year, thousands of Ghanaian nurses, teachers, engineers, and young graduates apply for jobs abroad. Remittances from the diaspora are a major part of Ghana’s economy. At the same time, there’s a strong cultural emphasis on staying home, contributing to community, and believing in Ghana’s potential.
The tension is especially high among young people aged 18-35. Many feel educated and ready to work, but face job scarcity, low wages, and economic pressure. Social media has made it easier to see life in other countries, which fuels both aspiration and disappointment.
Public figures weighing in on this topic always draw attention, because their platforms can shape how people think about their options.
Nana Aba Anamoah has built a career as a bold voice in Ghanaian media. She’s known for hosting hard-hitting interviews and for speaking candidly on social and political issues.
That reputation is why her words traveled so fast. Whether people agreed or not, they listened.
In the past, she has spoken about governance, women’s rights, and accountability. This latest comment places her squarely in the middle of one of the most emotional topics for Ghanaian families: should the next generation stay or go
Beyond the headline, the reaction to Nana Aba’s statement reveals three things about the current mood in Ghana:
young people feel the system isn’t delivering opportunities fast enough, and they are actively looking for alternatives.
Migration is personal. For some, leaving has meant better education, healthcare, and financial security for their families. For others, staying has meant building businesses, teaching, creating art, and pushing for reform from within.
Nana Aba’s “don’t look back” line was blunt, and that’s why it landed. But the broader question it raises doesn’t have a one-size answer.
Should Ghana do more to retain its talent? Absolutely. Should individuals take opportunities that improve their lives when they come? Also yes.
As of Friday, Nana Aba had not issued a follow-up statement to clarify her remarks. But the conversation she started is still running — in group chats, on radio, in homes, and across timelines.
And that may be the point. Sometimes a single sentence is enough to get a country talking about its future.
