Ghana’s King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II calls for gov’t attention to end brain drain

The King of Ghana’s largest Akan tribe Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has described brain drain as a pervasive phenomenon confronting the Country and has called for all hands on deck to find a lasting solution to the trend.

He said it is a disheartening spectacle to bear witness to substantial orthodox of Ghanaian health professionals, teachers and all graduates departing from the shores of the country in pursuit of more promising opportunities abroad.

Otumfuo said, this exodus at its core resemble a modern form of colonization where the very minds and intellect ought to nature and lead the nation are choosing to depart the country driving by allure of seeming more fertile grounds elsewhere.

Addressing the 57th congregation of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi Chancellor of the University said, although human migration is inherently not negative it is equally crucial if the phenomenal continues unchecked it poses a huge threat to the nation.

He stresses the departure of the potential leaders and talent who should be actively contributing to the growth and development of the country raises the formidable challenge.

Stressing the country must correctively work to transform the country into an enticing and compelling destination for the youth to have unshaking faith in their capacity to thrive and succeed.

“To achieve this I call upon the Government and all stakeholders in education to embark upon innovative strategies aimed at retaining and harnessing the potential of our young graduates creating an enabling environment that fosters entrepreneurship to facilitate job creation and stimulate research and development is crucial. By doing so we can effectively staunch the floors of our nation’s intellectual capital to foreign shores and in the process construct a prosperous and flourishing future for our beloved country.

“Let’s unite our efforts therefore and resolve to confront this challenge head on for the betterment of our society and the preservation of our nation’s bright and promising future. On this topic I have also lived Abroad before where we worked in restaurants and all those things even though we acquired the tertiary university before we went there … so the people here are much better than leaving abroad and we have to be honest to ourselves.

“People qualified here are not getting the job they want to do and are taken abroad to work as hospital cleaners and all those things. Whilst here we accord you all the deserving respect with dignity as a lecturer as a Professor as everything please let stay here and work’’ Otumfuo pleaded to the academia.
Galamsey on environmental and degradation
Otumfuo further denounced the illegal mining also known as Galamsey destructive practice stressing although the government has achieved some level of success stress the menace is still a pervasive problem across the mining communities.

He said the practice has caused a surge in water borne diseases, skin infections and horage deformity among people.

“I call on all stakeholders to be vigilant and help the government to flush out all illegal miners. Not so long you all saw and heard the actions I took against some Chiefs in my Kingdom who were either covertly or overtly involved in illegal mining (Galamsey) activities. I urge the government to take reciprocal action in the fight against Galamsey Chiefs as custodians of the lands bear solemn responsibility to act with integrity and diligence in safeguarding our natural resources. The government too must step up its efforts to protect our land and combat this destructive force rodding our nation from within.

Akosombo Dam Spillage

Touching on the recent Akosombo Dam spillage disaster Otumfuo said the spillage must serve as a reminder of the delicate balance the state must maintain between development and environmental preservation.

“The spillage of the Akosombo Dam has not only affected the lives and livelihood along the Volta river, but also poses a significant threat to our public health as a nation. This highlights the agency with which we must address climate change and its impact on our water resources. I want to entreat my esteemed professor of this University (KNUST) to lead the charge.

As we grapple with the consequence of this event it becomes imperative for us to unite and face the challenges that ahead. It is a call to action for us to invest in sustainable practices, promote water conservation and explore alternative energy resources.
Again the Akosombo Dam spillage underscores the importance of effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

The government in collaboration with the local authorities and international partners must work tirelessly to ensure that communities re-strengthened in the face of these natural calamities going forward. This include early warning systems robust evacuation plan and support structures for those affected in the sprite of unity and resilient let us come together and support the communities affected by Akosombo Dam spillage, let us provide aid not just in the form of immediate relief but also in the form of sustainable development initiative that will empower these communities to rebuild and thrive in the phase of adversity’’ Otumfuo pleaded.

Source: Ghana/ Isaac Justice Bediako