Why African Americans leave Ghana after moving there. The African American Exodus to Africa: Exploring Reasons for Return. Discover Reasons Why African Diasporas Are Sick and Tired of Ghana – I Am Leaving Ghana Back To The West. Most of them said with frustration.
Introduction
The Year of Return and the African American Migration to Africa
In 2019, the global African diaspora commemorated the “Year of Return,” marking 400 years since the arrival of the first slaves in the United States. This milestone coincided with a resurgence of interest among African Americans to reconnect with their ancestral homelands. Subsequently, thousands of black Americans heeded the call and made the journey back to Africa. While Ghana emerged as a primary destination, other countries such as Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa also witnessed an influx of returning diaspora.
Motivations for Migration
Ancestral Calling and Racial Trauma
The decision to leave the United States transcended mere relocation; it represented a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage driven by an ancestral calling. For many African Americans, the legacy of slavery had left a deep-seated existential trauma, exacerbated by enduring racial tensions. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 served as a poignant catalyst, prompting a collective realization that America might not be the ideal homeland. Thus, many embarked on a quest for belonging, seeking refuge in Africa’s warmer climates, lower cost of living, and sense of communal identity.
The Reality of Return
Challenges Faced by African American Expatriates
While the allure of a new life in Africa held promise for many, the journey was not without its obstacles. Some found themselves grappling with unforeseen challenges, leading to a reconsideration of their decision to return. Through exploring the experiences of African Americans who ultimately chose to return to the United States, we unveil four primary factors contributing to their repatriation.
1) Employment Limitations
Contrary to expectations, securing employment in African countries proved to be a formidable challenge for many African American expatriates. Unlike the United States, where job opportunities are relatively abundant, African nations often grapple with high unemployment rates, reaching as high as 50 percent in some regions. The lack of viable employment prospects dashed the hopes of those seeking economic stability upon their return.
2) Western World Conveniences
The comforts and conveniences of Western living, once taken for granted, became glaringly absent upon arrival in Africa. Basic amenities such as well-maintained road infrastructure and efficient e-commerce platforms were sorely lacking. The absence of familiar conveniences, from online shopping to reliable transportation, contributed to a sense of disillusionment among returnees, prompting some to reconsider their decision.
3) Cultural Dissonance
The romanticized notion of seamlessly integrating into African culture proved to be a misguided expectation for many returnees. Despite ancestral ties to specific African countries, generations of separation had led to cultural divergence. The stark differences in cuisine, entertainment, and societal norms served as a poignant reminder of the cultural chasm between African Americans and their newfound communities.
4) Limited Choices and Higher Costs
The abundance of choice synonymous with American consumer culture was conspicuously absent in many African countries. From limited airline options to constrained shopping selections, the lack of variety and inflated prices underscored the challenges of adjusting to a more constrained lifestyle. The financial burden of sourcing imported goods further strained the pockets of returnees, exacerbating their sense of disillusionment.
Conclusion
Navigating the Path to Repatriation
While the journey back to Africa held promise for some, the realities of expatriate life prompted a sobering reassessment for others. Through careful planning and realistic expectations, African Americans contemplating repatriation can navigate the complexities of returning to their ancestral homeland. Ultimately, the decision to leave the United States for Africa requires thorough research, introspection, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of forging a new life abroad.