Musah Khalid’s Inspiring Journey from Ghana to Canada: Lessons and Insights
Canadian Based Ghanaian Musah Khalid Shared a remarkable story of perseverance, vision, and achievement.
Growing up in Cape Coast, he attended Adisadel College and later the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he majored in economics.
He started his journey working with Taries Mining Company in Ghana, where his national service earned him a full-time position.
Over the years, he transitioned to Accra, working diligently and saving enough to pursue his dream of higher education.
Musah was trained by his grandmother in Cape Coast before moving to Accra after completing his studies at UCC in 2005.
His first job in the mining industry provided him a steady salary of $1,500 a month. However, Musah yearned for more and decided to leave his lucrative job to pursue a master’s degree in the United States.
In 2019, Musah applied to over 30 schools, narrowing his options to five based on affordability and scholarship opportunities.
Eventually, he was admitted to Youngstown State University, where he received partial financial aid. Leaving Ghana with $15,000, Musah began his journey in the U.S., working at a corner store to make ends meet while completing his master’s degree.
Musah persevered. He worked under the table, cleaning floors and running registers, earning $250 weekly. These jobs enabled him to save and survive until his graduation.
Musah’s wife, a Kenyan social worker, was instrumental in his transition to Canada.
He frequently visited her while completing his master’s and eventually secured a Canadian visa.
Determined to further his education, Musah pursued a PhD in Canada and completed in 2017 after five challenging years.
During his studies, he worked as a teaching assistant and excelled in his exams, becoming the only student to pass certain critical assessments.
Post-graduation, Musah began working with the federal government in 2018. Today, he is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve and continues to build a stable and fulfilling life.
Musah emphasizes the importance of acquiring high-demand skills before moving abroad. He advises individuals to:
- Evaluate Skill Relevance: If your current skills are not in demand, learn new ones to remain competitive.
- Invest Wisely: Start a business and consider investing in the stock market to secure long-term growth.
- Research Opportunities: Understand which provinces or cities align with your expertise for better opportunities.
- Plan Before Migration: Visit your desired country before making permanent decisions, ensuring you fully understand the environment.
He also reflects on his travels to Kenya, noting their impressive infrastructure and strong economic foundation compared to Ghana. He urges Ghanaian policymakers to strengthen the nation’s economic structure.
Though Musah doesn’t own property in Ghana, he is content with his accomplishments abroad. He has two children who frequently visit Ghana, and he plans to return in the next 10–15 years to start a business.
Musah’s journey is a testament to resilience, strategic planning, and the pursuit of excellence. From Cape Coast to Canada, his story inspires others to dream big, work hard, and embrace the challenges that come with growth.
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