A recent statement attributed to Professor Stephen Adei has reignited an important national conversation about parenting, education, migration, and family values.
The statement argues that parents who send their children abroad at a very young age risk losing them emotionally and culturally. It further suggests that children who grow up entirely outside their home country may develop little attachment to their parents or homeland, making it less likely they will return home or even participate in significant family moments later in life.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with every part of this message, it raises questions that deserve careful reflection rather than emotional reactions.
The Emotional Cost of Early Migration
Many parents sacrifice everything they have to give their children what they believe is a better future. Sending a child abroad is often motivated by love, not rejection of one’s country.
However, distance changes relationships.
Children who spend most of their formative years in another country naturally adapt to a different culture, language, and lifestyle. Their closest friends, professional networks, and even future spouses may come from their adopted country. Over time, their emotional connection with home may weaken—not because they no longer love their parents, but because their lives have become rooted elsewhere.
This reality has been experienced by many families across Africa.
Education Versus Identity
Studying abroad offers enormous advantages:
- Access to world-class universities.
- Better research opportunities.
- International exposure.
- Global career prospects.
- Cultural diversity.
These benefits cannot be ignored.
At the same time, education should not come at the expense of identity. A child who understands his or her language, traditions, history, and family responsibilities is often better equipped to appreciate both worlds.
Some believe it is wiser for children to complete their primary education—or even their first university degree—in their home country before pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. By then, their personal values and cultural identity are often more firmly established.
Does Every Child Stay Away Forever?
Certainly not.
Thousands of Ghanaians who studied overseas have returned to establish businesses, lecture in universities, work in hospitals, and contribute significantly to national development.
Others remain abroad but continue to support their families through remittances, investments, and philanthropy.
Likewise, there are some who never return except for occasional visits.
Every family’s story is different.
Parents Also Have a Responsibility
Keeping children emotionally connected requires intentional effort.
Parents should:
- Teach their children their native language.
- Regularly visit their home country when possible.
- Introduce them to extended family.
- Instill respect for their heritage.
- Build strong family relationships that transcend geography.
A child who grows up feeling loved and connected is more likely to maintain those bonds regardless of where they eventually live.
A National Conversation Worth Having
The issue extends beyond individual families.
Countries like Ghana continue to experience the migration of highly skilled professionals. While international education creates opportunities, governments also face the challenge of creating conditions that encourage talented citizens to return and invest in national development.
Better jobs, quality healthcare, improved infrastructure, security, and transparent governance all influence whether graduates choose to come home.
Moment of Wisdom
The question is not simply whether children should study abroad.
The real question is when and how.
Sending a child abroad is neither automatically right nor automatically wrong. What matters is preparing them with strong family values, cultural identity, and a sense of responsibility before they leave.
Children who know where they come from are often better prepared to succeed wherever they go.
Wisdom is not only about giving children wings to fly; it is also about giving them roots that will always lead them home.
Moment of Wisdom,
Time for wisdom
