Abraham Philip Tetteh is a Ghanaian-born chef currently living in Canada. He works on a vessel and is currently stationed in Quebec, Canada, with past experiences in Calgary, Alberta. Having lived in Canada for 15 years, Abraham’s journey started in Ghana, where he was based in Takoradi as a chef.
Abraham commended DJ Nyaami for his great work, sharing how he started life in Takoradi and pursued his dream of traveling abroad. Growing up, many of his family members lived abroad, which influenced his desire to travel. He noticed that those who had travel documents left Ghana early, while others sought ways to leave. He recalled how relatives who visited Ghana often flaunted their wealth, making it disappointing when his father did not bring him abroad.
After high school, Abraham wanted to become a musician, performing with artists in the early 2000s under the name Nhyira Bokojo. However, his parents cut him off financially, pushing him to take his catering studies seriously. Times were tough in Takoradi, and at one point, he even considered using the Takoradi harbor to travel to Europe, but it did not work out. Eventually, he turned to prayer, seeking guidance on what God wanted him to do.
With newfound faith, he ventured into goat farming, which many found surprising since he had been involved in music. However, God revealed to him that he could integrate catering with goat farming. He started a catering business at African Beach and Akromah in Takoradi, while also considering further education in polytechnic. Encouraged by his family, he decided to use his culinary skills to secure a job on a ship, inspired by his uncles who were seamen and marine engineers.
Through an agent, he got an opportunity to work as a chef on a ship that operated along the West African pipeline, serving divers and handling offshore catering. His expertise grew, and he traveled through various African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. However, his contract ended, and he was advised to improve his pastry skills, leading him to Cameroon for a year.
While in Cameroon, his mother passed away. Before her death, she had encouraged him to return to Ghana and establish a pastry business. He attempted to do so, but challenges with equipment and financial struggles led him back to Accra, where he considered stowing away to Europe through Libya. However, after fasting and praying, he received a vision that his life would be in danger if he pursued that route. This led him to cancel the trip and recover his money.
Abraham later secured another ship job, which took him across African waters and beyond. His uncle, who had connections in Germany, helped him secure international opportunities. As a result, he traveled to various countries in Europe, Asia, and even Australia. His frequent travels made the idea of “abroad” less fascinating, as he had experienced life across many continents.
His father, who was half-Jewish and had lived in America for a long time, later came into his life. Abraham shared his struggles and near-death experiences with him, which led to deep reflections on destiny and faith. Through his work on ships, he learned valuable lessons about resilience, hard work, and divine guidance.
Later, he moved to Canada, initially working in restaurants. He noted that at the time, seeking asylum in Canada was easier, especially for those who spoke truthfully. He worked at Best Western Airport and other establishments, where his skills were highly valued. However, he eventually transitioned into the oil industry, where he worked for five years under extreme conditions, earning up to $700 a day.
During this time, he married a white woman, whose family was wealthy. However, he found the environment challenging, as many of his colleagues indulged in reckless lifestyles. He chose to withdraw from that path, seeking a more purposeful direction. He realized that material wealth without a strong foundation in faith could be destructive. My Wife Divorced Me Because My Job as a Ship Chef Kept Me Away.
Today, Abraham works as a chef on a tanker ship, traveling between the UK, Holland, and other destinations. He specializes in seafood, steak, pasta, and various international cuisines. His job comes with high earnings, ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 per month. However, working on a vessel can be isolating, requiring strong mental and spiritual discipline.
He acknowledges the sacrifices of his career, including the impact on his marriage, which ended in divorce. The nature of his job made it difficult to maintain relationships, as extended periods at sea created emotional distance. Despite this, he continues to find fulfillment in his work, enjoying the opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures.
Abraham believes in making an impact by helping others. He supports people through education and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of acquiring skills. He advises young people in Ghana to focus on learning trades or vocational skills rather than solely relying on traditional education. According to him, Ghana is a blessed country with opportunities, but leadership issues hinder progress.
Reflecting on his journey, he encourages others to prepare themselves for opportunities, work hard, and trust in God’s plan. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrity, discipline, and perseverance in achieving success.
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