Bismark aka Vhim: The Reality of Life as a Ghanaian in Canada
Bismark, popularly known as Vhim, is a Ghanaian living in Canada. He is a returning guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. During the interview, he shared insights on the challenges immigrants face in Canada, particularly in securing legal documentation, finding stable jobs, and navigating relationships.
According to Bismark, international students often arrive in Canada with the hope of studying and returning home. However, frequent policy changes have made it increasingly difficult to secure legal status. Previously, there were several pathways to permanent residency, but recent government measures have significantly limited these opportunities. He compares these policies to Donald Trump’s immigration tactics, noting that many people are now fearful of their future in Canada.
“Asylum seekers are scared,” he said. “What proves that your life is at risk? What proves that you’re gay? If you don’t meet the asylum requirements, you’ll be denied and possibly deported.”
Bismark recounted the story of a 45-year-old man who was denied asylum. With no work permit and no means to earn a living, he now struggles to survive in Canada.
“No one does just one job in Canada,” Bismark stated. “I moved out of my old place, got my own apartment, and set up a podcast studio in my garage. I also have three cars, which I insure and pay for parking. I need to enjoy my 20s.”
To make ends meet, he sells cars, does Uber as a side hustle, and rents out a room in his apartment. However, he acknowledges that sharing a living space with others can be challenging.
Bismark lives in Edmonton, where jobs are available, but many people find themselves working in fields they never intended to enter. He shared his own experience of trying a warehouse job but quitting after just one day.
“We are suffering here,” he admitted. “People only showcase the good side of life on social media. Some jobs pay as little as $17 per hour. Aviation jobs pay around $25 per hour, while mechanical and auto body shop jobs are in high demand, paying between $35 and $40 per hour. In the next two years, I plan to learn more about mechanics to increase my earnings.”
Bismark also spoke about the difficulties of dating as a Ghanaian immigrant in Canada. He has been in the country for two to three years and has struggled to find a partner.
“Canada is not for single men,” he said. “If you make it here, get married. Life is easier when there are two of you splitting expenses. Right now, I pay all my bills alone, and it’s difficult.”
He has tried dating apps like Tinder but has not had much luck. He previously dated a Canadian white woman, but cultural differences made the relationship difficult.
“She wasn’t cooking good Ghanaian food, so I had to teach her,” he recalled. “Dating white women is hard, and Black women often ask if you have Nkrataa (residence permit) before even considering a relationship.”
Bismark joked that he is now open to marrying a Chinese woman, but even they ask for Nkrataa.
“In Canada, people use Nkrataa for everything—including business. The cheapest one costs between $25,000 and $30,000. It could take me a year or two to save up $50,000 to $100,000, depending on my field.”
For Bismark, financial stability in Canada depends on having multiple sources of income and making strategic career moves. He used to buy and sell private cars, but now he focuses on auction cars for better profits.
However, he warned that sending cars to Ghana can be costly due to high import duties.
“People want to buy from me, but are they ready to pay the cost?” he asked.
Despite the struggles, Bismark remains focused on building his career and securing financial freedom. His story is a reflection of the many challenges immigrants face in Canada, from navigating strict immigration policies to balancing multiple jobs just to survive.
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