Ghanaian Man Stranded in Bangladesh After Failed Travel Plans
Raphael, a Ghanaian living in Bangladesh, recently shared his harrowing experience on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. He narrated how a travel agent deceived him into embarking on a costly journey with the hope of reaching South America for work.
Raphael previously worked in galamsey (illegal mining) and livestock farming in Obuasi, Ghana. After saving enough money, a connection man (travel agent) promised to help him travel to South America for job opportunities. The agent arranged for him and his brother to first transit through India.
The plan was to stay in India for only four days, but they ended up staying three weeks. The agent then moved them to Bangladesh, claiming it was to avoid overstaying their visa in India. However, upon arrival in Bangladesh, they were given only a two-week tourist visa, which they later overstayed due to financial constraints.
While in Bangladesh, Raphael and his brother ran out of money and were forced to sleep outside. A kind white maneventually took them in, but they struggled to find food, surviving on bananas and bread for days.
Despite multiple attempts to reach their agent, he refused to answer their calls or kept making empty promises.
Now, they fear being arrested by Bangladeshi authorities, which could lead to six months in jail for overstaying their visa. Out of desperation, Raphael considered getting arrested voluntarily, hoping it would lead to deportation back to Ghana.
Raphael revealed that he had spent over GHC 200,000 ($15,000) on the trip, while his friend also lost the same amount, bringing their total losses to GHC 400,000. They even sold properties, including motorcycles, to fund the journey by giving it to the Supposed Agent who resides in St Lucia.
The agent initially promised jobs in South America, such as factory work and truck driving. He later claimed to be in St. Lucia, a Caribbean island, and assured them that once they arrived there, they could easily enter the U.S. without needing a border crossing. However, after receiving their money, the agent stopped responding.
Realizing they were deceived, Raphael and his brother tried looking for ways to leave Bangladesh. However, they discovered that even with a ticket, overstaying their visa meant they had to pay a fine before leaving. After four extra days in Bangladesh, they each owe 4,000 Bangladeshi taka in penalties.
In frustration, Raphael even contacted the agent’s wife in Ghana, explaining their dire situation, but nothing has changed.
A friend in Ghana confirmed that the agent previously lived with him before leaving for St. Lucia. It was also discovered that the agent may now be in Egypt, as he responded to calls using an Egyptian number.
Raphael expressed deep regret over trusting the agent, stating that if he had done proper research, he would have never embarked on the journey. He initially planned to reach Brazil, learn animal farming, and return to Ghana to start a business.
He now urges other Ghanaians to research properly before making travel decisions. With no money left, he and his brother are desperate to return to Ghana but lack the means to do so.
The nearest Ghanaian embassy is in India, making their situation even more complicated. Raphael, who completed senior high school and has children back home, is feeling intense pressure from his family.
DJ Nyaami’s Advice
DJ Nyaami advised Raphael and others in similar situations to research thoroughly on Google before making travel plans. He also suggested they seek help from Ghanaian authorities or other international organizations that assist stranded migrants.
A Warning to Others
Raphael’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering taking risky migration routes. He warns that many so-called travel agents are only out to exploit desperate travelers, leaving them stranded in foreign lands with no help or resources.
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