Hafiz explained that back in Ghana, he worked as a mechanic and motor filter specialist in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
To begin his journey in 2015, he took a VIP bus from Kumasi to Niger, passing through Burkina Faso and dealing with immigration officials who demanded bribes.
The trip to Libya took two weeks, and at the time, it was relatively easy to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. Hafiz worked in Libya for three months, saved some money, and successfully crossed to Italy.
In Italy, he stayed in a refugee camp, but due to procedural issues and failing to appeal for asylum, he left for Germany.
Unaware of the importance of proper documentation and fingerprints, he sought asylum in Cologne, Germany. While there, he was issued a temporary permit that allowed him to move freely and even received financial support.
However, authorities flagged his case for previously living in Italy, and he was eventually arrested and deported in 2019.
Hafiz recounted that during his time in detention, there was no opportunity to plead his case or speak to a lawyer.
He acknowledged that many deportees from Ghana failed to claim asylum properly, often neglecting to provide credible reasons for their applications.
Upon returning to Ghana, Hafiz tried to settle but found the economic situation unbearable, prompting him to return to Libya.
Hafiz now plans to make another attempt to cross into Italy, despite the challenges. He regrets not seeking asylum in Italy during his initial stay, recognizing that those who stayed in the country eventually received their legal documents.
He also mentioned the high cost of crossing the sea from Libya to Italy, which can range between €700 and €800 (approximately 5,000–6,000 Libyan dinars). Hafiz has managed to raise €200 so far but needs more to make the trip.
Despite the risks, he is determined to succeed. He noted that while Libya was dangerous in 2015 with widespread killings and kidnappings, the situation has improved, though jobs are now scarce.
Hafiz dreams of making it to Italy, where he believes it is harder to be deported compared to Germany, and hopes to eventually bring his wife and two children from Ghana to join him abroad.
He emphasized that life abroad offers better opportunities than in Ghana.
Hafiz appeals for support to achieve his goal, explaining that he cannot thrive in Ghana and needs help to make his dreams of a better life come true.
