Ghanaian-born, US-based Kwame Asante appeared on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. He began by sharing his perspective, stressing that his primary concern is the well-being of citizens. While some view illegal migration as a path to a better life, the harsh reality is that many lose their lives attempting to enter the United States. Kwame acknowledged that if he had no legal means, he might have considered selling family property to reach Mexico. However, he believes that strict immigration policies would discourage such risky journeys and ultimately save lives.
Kwame’s primary issue lies with illegal immigration. He stated that if he does not have the necessary documentation, he would not attempt to enter another country unlawfully. He also noted that while he has heard stories of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) arresting people, he has never witnessed an arrest firsthand. He pointed out that mass deportations happened even before Trump’s administration, but Trump made it more public to show he was addressing the issue voters cared about.
Having lived in the U.S. for 13 years, Kwame remarked that many people are unrealistic about returning to Ghana. He has seen individuals move back without proper planning, only to struggle upon their return. His goal is to return to Ghana in 20 years, provided he has a solid plan and divine guidance.
Kwame hails from Asante Mampong. He attended Unity Primary and J.S.S, followed by Monicas J.S.S, and later completed his secondary education at Kumasi Anglican High School, where he studied Visual Arts. After passing his exams, his uncles took care of him during his early years. Initially, he wanted to study filmmaking at NAFTI, but his uncle advised him to pursue teacher training at Mamtech, where he studied from 2006 to 2009. He acknowledges that this decision changed his life, as he would not have had the opportunity to travel to America otherwise.
Kwame was a goalkeeper and tried his luck with the American Visa Lottery. He applied multiple times before finally securing a visa in 2009. His uncle had changed his phone number, so he had to contact his brother to retrieve the information. Like many others, desperation led him to take risks. Upon arriving in the U.S., he initially stayed with a family friend before moving out to rent his own apartment.
Determined to prove himself, Kwame sought opportunities and eventually joined the U.S. military. He was initially unaware of the distinction between active-duty soldiers and reservists. He arrived in the U.S. in July and soon signed a military contract, opting for the reserve force in 2011. While people advised him that the reserves offered financial stability, he later realized the challenges and sought additional employment, working various jobs at the airport, Zoomlion, Home Depot, as a taxi driver, and at Walmart before securing a full-time military position.
Kwame noted that serving in the military for 20 years allows one to retire at any age. He spent seven years in the reserves before transitioning to active duty. If he had started active duty earlier, he could have retired at 45, but now he must serve until 52.
His wife, whom he met in the U.S., encouraged him to further his education. He initially pursued a business administration degree but paused his studies in 2013. In 2017, she pushed him to return to school, and by 2019, the military covered his education costs. He later obtained a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Health. While he considered pursuing a PhD, he decided against it due to the cost and lack of necessity for his career.
Kwame emphasized the importance of skilled labor, noting that trades like carpentry, masonry, and air conditioning maintenance are among the highest-paying jobs worldwide. He took a six-month break to learn these trades, which now supplement his income.
Reflecting on migration, Kwame advised against selling off assets to travel abroad illegally. He recounted a woman who lost £100,000 to an agent who disappeared, leaving her with no options. Similarly, he has encountered individuals who lost large sums of money attempting to migrate unlawfully. Instead, he believes that investing the same amount in Ghana could yield better long-term results.
He criticized some Ghanaians abroad who pretend to be wealthy while living in subpar conditions. Many send money home for property investments, only to be deceived by family members who take a significant cut for themselves.
Kwame prefers investing in his village in Kumasi rather than buying land in Accra. He bought his first house in the U.S. four years ago to provide a comfortable home for his wife and children. Instead of building large houses in Ghana, he prioritizes investments that secure his financial independence. He believes that if he had stayed in Ghana, he would not have achieved his current level of success.
He also shared stories of people being duped into buying fake visas. One woman paid $11,000 for a fraudulent visa, while another man lost his capital by giving money to an agent instead of investing in a legitimate business.
Kwame firmly believes that hard work, not just prayer, leads to success. He criticized pastors who make people believe that only God can help them, emphasizing that God has already given people the wisdom to work for their success. He also questioned the effectiveness of certain Ghanaian TV programs, stating that people should focus on productive endeavors instead.
His closing advice was simple: hard work combined with the right mindset leads to a comfortable life, whether in Ghana or abroad. Without a solid plan, even those who earn substantial amounts can end up in financial ruin.
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