Ghanaian Man Stranded in Mexico After Being Scammed by Fellow Countryman
Amartey, a Ghanaian, is currently in Mexico after embarking on a challenging journey with hopes of entering the United States. On October 25, he left Ghana and traveled through Turkey, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and finally Mexico. His journey took a month, relying mostly on buses after arriving in Colombia.
Amartey, along with five other Ghanaians, used an agent to facilitate their travel. However, after reaching Tapachula, Mexico, their dreams were shattered when a Ghanaian agent named Razack scammed them. The group, totaling 15 individuals, paid Razack $3,500 each (approximately $52,500 in total) to reach Tijuana, a border town leading to the U.S. Instead, he abandoned them and handed them over to local mafias, who extorted them further.
Despite all the hardships, Amartey and his brother, who initially left Ghana with $2,000, managed to find work in Mexico. They sought asylum at the immigration office and are awaiting an interview in April. They now plan to obtain Mexican residency instead of pursuing entry into the U.S.
The journey was not easy. Amartey recalls climbing mountains and enduring extreme conditions. While in Panama, they received news that Donald Trump had won the U.S. elections, which made their situation more uncertain. The group was determined to make it to America, but after being scammed, they were left stranded with limited options.
Amartey met many other Ghanaians in Mexico, most of whom had left Ghana due to financial struggles. Many feared deportation, and some had already been detained. He noted that some lucky travelers managed to cross into the U.S. using container trains but ended up in detention centers.
Realizing that returning to Ghana was not an option, Amartey decided to build a life in Mexico. He and his group secured jobs in a restaurant, washing dishes and handling meat preparation. Although their wages are modest, they receive free meals. Currently, they earn about GHS 1,800 per week.
“Life here is fair—better than Ghana,” he stated. “Back home, as a car sprayer in Kasoa, I struggled to save GHS 1,000-2,000. But since coming here, I can send GHS 1,500 to Ghana every week or save it in my account.”
His brother, a mechanic, is also working, and they hope to obtain Mexican residency within three months. With permanent residency, they can travel freely to other countries.
Amartey warns fellow Ghanaians planning to take the same route to avoid dealing with Razack, the agent who scammed them. He also advises that the journey is not for the weak, as it involves extreme risks, including financial losses and potential deportation.
Despite everything, he remains hopeful.
“I have to forget about America for now and focus on getting my Mexican papers. If I get them, we will deal with that guy. But for now, we are making the best of our situation.”
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