While members of the opposition New Patriotic Party are decrying what they say is ‘economic hardship and deprivation’ in the country and are relishing travelling abroad for greener pastures, a growing number of Ghanaian professionals born in Europe, particularly the UK, are moving back to Ghana in droves.
Even though Ghana does not have the trappings of some of the rich and advanced European and North American countries, reports in the international media indicate that returning Ghanaian-born-UK professionals relish living in the country under President John Dramani Mahama’s #changing lives/Transforming Ghana agenda.
These “reverse migrants”, the BBC reported, say despite the agonizing power crises which is about ending, life in Ghana is “much less stressful”.
Confirming this new trend, migration scholar at the University of Ghana, Prof Mariama Awumbila, told the BBC "We're beginning to see a trend of the younger Ghanaians coming back...
Mostly highly skilled professionals in their thirties and early forties, things are much better now compared to five or ten years ago, and people are beginning to see the opportunities in Ghana."
Sharing their experiences with BBC’s Nancy Kacungira, the “reverse migrants” described how joyous it is living in Ghana.
One of them, Chekesha Aidoo, who was born Priscilla Davis, said “I felt free in Africa. This was 42 years ago but I still remember. I was so taken by the energy. I actually got down on my knees and kissed the ground. Even the air in my lungs was right. It was like I was home".
She added "In America everybody keeps to themselves and they're afraid to get involved in anybody's issues. I would be so alone there. Here, I'm enclosed in this warm community bubble. I wouldn't want to leave that."
There are lots of other things she loves about living in Ghana. The food is cleaner, she has financial freedom, and it is generally less stressful, she says.
UK born Kobina Graham, also known as DJ Kobby, who is now cultural studies lecture at Ashesi University, explained that "I felt that London was kind of grim at the time, it wasn't exactly a land of opportunity".
On a typical party night, DJ Kobby can be found at one of the hottest bars in Accra, showing off some of the skills he honed at clubs in North London. While he blends in very well with the local crowd and even speaks the local language, he was born, raised and educated in the UK.
When "DJ Kobby" isn't moving a crowd with music, he's Kobina Graham - a cultural studies lecturer at the Ashesi University in Accra.
Despite having graduated with two degrees from universities in London, finding a good job 10 years ago proved very difficult; a challenge that provoked him to start thinking about other alternatives.
He described his reasons for choosing to move back to Accra as "push and pull factors".
He wanted to reconnect with family in Ghana, but also had concerns about starting his own family in the UK.
"The main thing that pushed me away was just not feeling like I could really have children there, because their identity could be questioned. The idea that someone could come up to them and say: 'Are you British?' That worried me."
While Mr Graham may have moved primarily for family, his job prospects also got a boost.
"I've had the opportunity to explore a lot more than I feel like I would have done in the UK; I've also been able to enter the job market here at a higher level."
There are things about the UK that Mr Graham does miss. Friendships built over many years, and diverse entertainment scenes are some of the ones he mentions.
But overall, he feels that moving back to Ghana was the right decision.
"London isn't as warm, in terms of friendliness. I remember sometimes being on a bus and just not feeling any sense of community or welcome; I don't miss that at all. I love the fact that here, I'm not made to feel like a stranger"
Mr Jerry Parkes is another one of the returnees. Born and raised in London, he earned a first class degree and an MBA before building a thriving career as an investment banker at some of the world's biggest corporations.
He had a great job and a good life in London, but still felt the need to move back to Ghana while still in his productive years and make a contribution there.
"I never stop thinking about how much more impact could be had in Africa if more diasporans decide to move back and do what they've been trained to do, what they're experienced at doing, within the continent," he told me.
Mr Parkes moved back to Accra six years ago and now runs his own investment fund, supporting 10 companies and creating more than 600 jobs.
He acknowledged that many others have made the move.
"A lot of Ghanaians had also returned home prior to me arriving, and were beginning to do very interesting things within the local economy. We're beginning to see that critical mass of talent returning."
The number of those returning may be growing, but it is still a decision that can be met with skepticism, especially by friends and family who see a good life abroad as something to hold on to.
Some of those who go back also face significant lifestyle changes; power outages, poor roads, inefficient healthcare systems, or a high cost of doing business can all be daunting.
Mr Parkes chose to avoid naysayers by not immediately letting people know that he was moving back for good - he allowed them to think that he was on holiday for as long as possible.
There are also reports that many Ghanaian migrants are expected to relocate to Ghana, especially now that there are clear indications the NDC government is about solving permanently, the age-long power crisis.
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