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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the critical need to address migration concerns to safeguard the security of the country following the increase in the country's workforce leaving the shores of Ghana to seek greener pastures in Europe. 

According to the President, the widespread departure of individuals from their home countries in pursuit of better opportunities elsewhere, will have a potential toll on the economies of the countries left behind.

This call was made during the 3rd Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum on Wednesday February 28, 2024.

While recognizing the potential for migration to act as a catalyst for development, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need to find ways to mitigate its associated costs, including the mass exodus of essential professionals such as health practitioners and teachers.

He said, “The benefits of migration cannot be optimized…without reducing the multiple costs, including the brain drain problem, and mass exit of critical personnel, including doctors and nurses to rich countries. At the national level, mass rural-urban drift is depleting our baskets of the essential manpower required.”

He also emphasized the challenges faced by the Economic Community Of West African State (ECOWAS) region, including issues of insecurity and violent extremism, making migration a highly emotional and sensitive subject to tackle.
An example is the recent attacks on Burkina Faso, mali and other countries along the West African region. 

President Akufo-Addo reiterated the importance of navigating these complexities to ensure regional stability which will in return, promote a thriving business haven for both local and international investors.