More Ghanaians seek greener pastures abroad - Immigration Service

The number of Ghanaians who travelled abroad last year hit 293,754, an increase of 25,606 over the 2015 figure of 268,149.

According to statistics, the number of Ghanaians who travelled abroad in 2014 was 187,252, far less than the numbers for 2015 and 2016.

Since 2010, the years 2012 and 2013 recorded the highest number of Ghanaians who travelled abroad which were 301,317 and 310,385 respectively.

The data compiled by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) did not provide the purpose of the travels but it is believed that most of the travellers went in search of greener pastures.

However, the number of foreigners who traveled to Ghana in 2016 increased by 36,055 compared to 2015 figure.

It went up from 896,524 in 2015 to 932,579 in 2016.

Departure figures

At the same, the number of people both Ghanaians and foreigners who departed Ghana to various destinations around the world jumped from 911,553 in 2015 to 969,634 in 2016.

This represents an increase of 58,081 travelers.

The figures comprise both Ghanaians and foreigners. However, the numbers do not include borders residents because they are not captured.

The statistics represent total arrival and departure of travelers from approved entry and exit points.

Breakdown of nationalities of arrival of foreigners

The nationalities of arrivals in order of the highest number has Nigeria in the lead with 79,100, Americans – 69,691, British – 44,251, Ivorians – 25,655, Indians – 23,027, Chinese – 19,380, Burkinabe – 18,031 and South Africans – 16,717.

The rest are Germans – 15,800, Liberians – 14,680, Dutch – 11,767, French – 11,365, Canadians – 10,980, Togolese – 9,426, Lebanese – 7,440 and Australians – 4,828.

A total of 290,917 constitute nationals from other countries.

Breakdown of nationalities of departure of foreigners

The nationalities of departures in order of the highest number include Nigerians – 85,275, Americans – 71,074, British – 46,583, Indians – 23,193, Ivorians – 22,967 and Chinese – 18,538.

The rest are Germans – 16,728, Burkinabes – 16,228, South Africans 16,812, Liberians - 15,450, Dutch – 13,002, French – 12,155, Canadians - 11,211, Togolese – 9,757, Lebanese – 7,562 and Australians 4,888.

Travellers numbering 284,457 of other nationalities also departed Ghana for other countries.

Break down of arrivals

The data revealed that out of the 932,579 people who traveled to Ghana, Ghanaians constitute 317,909, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) citizens were 207,654 while other nationals totaled 407,016.

Air transport tops arrivals

Out of the 932,579 arrivals, 837,189 came by air transport, 94,585 travelled by road while 805 traveled by sea.

Break down of departure

For the 969,634 people that travelled out of Ghana in 2016, a total of 874,531 went by air transport, followed by 93,768 who travelled by land and 1,335 left by sea transport.

KIA tops arrivals, departure

The Kotoka International Airport (KIA) topped both arrivals, departures with 837,189 and 874,531 travelers respectively.

Elubo border

The Elubo border recorded the second highest arrivals, departures figures of 46,112 and 39,914 travelers respectively in 2016.

Aflao border

The Aflao border recorded 20,259 arrivals as against 27,625 departures.

Paga border

The Paga border on the other hand recorded 21,702 arrivals and 18,810 departures.

Arrivals through other approved points were 7,317 while departures were 8,754 travellers in 2016.