Ghanaian Man Reveals His Journey from Selling Drugs in Italy to Running a Business in the UK
Justice Lee Arthur, a Ghanaian based in the UK, has shared his life journey, revealing his struggles, hustles, and ultimate transformation. In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show, Justice commended the host for his good work in shedding light on the experiences of Ghanaians abroad.
Originally from Yaaako in the Western Region of Ghana, Justice grew up in Takoradi and its surrounding towns. He was one of ten siblings, though two of them passed away. At just nine years old, he left home and moved to Accra, near Busia, where he joined the seaside boys and started working at sea. His passion for travel was evident from a young age, even though he had no specific destination in mind.
Justice’s journey took him to various African countries before landing in Tema, Ghana, where he got a job on a boat. In the early 2000s, the boat took him to China, where he hustled for a while. Eventually, he returned to Ghana in 2004, where he heard about the desert route to Europe. Young and adventurous, he and his peers took the risk, crossing into Libya and then making their way to Italy through Lampedusa.
Upon arriving in Napoli, Italy, Justice struggled to survive. He started washing dishes at a restaurant in an upscale area before moving into sales—selling various goods to make a living. However, people encouraged him to sell drugs, which he did for 11 years. He made significant money from the trade, even bringing his two nephews to join him in Italy.
Despite his financial success, the Italian police were on his trail. Fortunately, he had already met his wife, an Italian woman with whom he had a child. She played a crucial role in his escape, as authorities attempted to seize his assets.
“If not for my wife, I would have been jailed for five years,” he admitted.
Realizing he needed to change his life, he and his family moved to the UK after successfully applying for a visa.
Justice has now lived in the UK for nine years. Although he admits to disliking the UK’s weather, food, and social atmosphere, he remains there for the sake of his children. He has since established a successful delivery company, employing 35 workers and operating trucks across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on his journey, Justice advised Ghanaians to avoid selling their properties just to travel abroad. He emphasized the importance of visiting a country, touring, and understanding the system before relocating permanently. He also warned against the dangers of illegal activities, saying,
“Many Ghanaians abroad don’t want to work. If you come here, you must be ready to hustle.”
Justice, who frequently visits Ghana, plans to relocate permanently in the future. He has already completed his house and is building an Airbnb business.
“I won’t marry a black woman,” he said, explaining that his wife never pressures him to send money back home, unlike many Ghanaian women.
Having lived abroad for over 20 years, Justice encourages young people to develop skills that will make them valuable in foreign job markets. He insists that skilled work pays well in the UK, but those without skills will struggle.
“Ghanaians must respect money, but they must also work hard for it,” he concluded.
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