Robert, a Ghanaian residing in Western Germany, has lived abroad for 24 years. In an interview on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show, he shared his challenging journey from Ghana to Europe and the realities of life overseas.
Originally from Serkwa, near Berekum, Robert grew up in a poor household. After completing secondary school, he ventured into farming but lacked financial support, which led him to seek opportunities abroad. His journey began with currency exchange and travel through Burkina Faso, Mali, Cape Verde, and a failed attempt to reach the Caribbean.
In Cape Verde, Robert encountered fraudulent Ghanaian agents who scammed him and had him deported to Senegal, and then back to Mali. Undeterred, he continued his journey, working various jobs, including tailoring and shoe-shining in Mauritania, to save enough money for another attempt. He eventually secured a connection to cross the desert and reach Europe via boat.
The journey was perilous. A group of travelers ahead of him had a fatal accident at sea, resulting in 13 deaths. Robert and his group spent 176 hours adrift before arriving in Las Palmas, Spain. However, Spanish authorities attempted to deport them, leaving him just 200 meters from safety before being arrested. Through Côte d’Ivoire, he managed to travel to Madrid, where he reached out to his uncle in Germany, who helped him relocate there.I
It took Robert eight years to obtain proper documentation in Germany. He emphasizes that Europe is only beneficial for those without financial stability in Ghana. For those with resources, traveling illegally is a grave mistake.
Robert has a child in Germany, and 18% of his salary goes toward child support. He describes how many women, especially single mothers, exploit the system to receive financial benefits rather than build stable relationships. After an affair in Ghana, he had another child, which led to his divorce. His ex-wife was unable to have more children due to medical reasons, and he desired a larger family. He later married his Ghanaian baby mother, with whom he has been happily together for 13 years.
Robert warns against moving to Europe without proper documentation, as it leads to hardship and exploitation. He explains that survival in Germany is tough, with high costs of living, including rent, insurance, and other expenses. After breaking up with his first wife, he struggled to recover financially. The fear of another 18-year-long child support commitment has made him cautious about relationships in Germany.
Now involved in pig farming in Ghana, Robert sees agriculture as a promising investment. His family owns a 25-acre cassava farm, but his nephews refuse to work on it, despite their struggles. He considers returning to Ghana permanently but wants to bring his wife and children for their future stability.
Robert’s story highlights the brutal realities of illegal migration, the struggles of undocumented immigrants, and the importance of making informed decisions before attempting to move abroad.
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