Kumasi, July 26, GNA - A retired surgeon has said it would be difficult for the government to reduce the menace of brain drain if Ghanaian students on scholarships abroad did not resolve to return home to contribute to national development.

"Ghanaian students should exhibit patriotism and be committed to bringing their knowledge, expertise and skills to bear on all sectors of the nation's economy so as to uplift the standard of living of the people", he said.

Dr Emmanuel Evans-Anfom, who was the Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) between 1967 and 1971, made the call at the launch of a book he has authored titled "To the Thirsty Land" in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The book, which has 457 pages and 30 chapters, was published by the African Christian Press, publishers of "The Step Magazine", a Christian monthly journal. The book epitomizes the struggles and achievements of the author in his 28 years active service in the public service, especially his experience in the medical and educational fields.

It is also an instructive piece to inspire the youth towards higher academic laurels for the benefit of society.

The 86-year-old ex-Vice Chancellor appealed to African leaders to constantly collaborate with the academia to explore avenues for effective utilisation of the continent's natural resources. Dr Evans-Anfom said it was about time the continent resolved to tackle its own socio-economic problems and desist from always looking up to donour agencies and the international community for support. "African leaders should be dedicated to instituting proactive measures to liberate their people from hunger, diseases and poverty with the view to improving upon their lives", he said.

The Right-Reverend Dr Ebenezer Henry Brew-Riverson, a former Principal of Wesley College, appealed to the youth to emulate the exemplary lifestyles of past heroes of the country to enable them realise their God-given talents.

Professor Kwesi Andam, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, expressed the hope that the book would serve as a motivation to the future generation to strive for higher achievements.