Ghanaian IT Technician Samuel who migrated to the United States, recently shared his journey on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. Now residing in Maryland, he has lived in the U.S. since 2017 and has witnessed a significant difference in lifestyle and opportunities compared to Ghana.
Originally from Krofrom, Samuel attended Koforidua Polytechnic, where he studied IT in computers science. His interest in technology began in the 1990s when computers were first introduced in Ghana. He worked on setting up internet cafés and teaching people how to use computers during the dial-up internet era.
Although he was hardworking, he initially had no concrete plans to travel abroad. However, his mother and sister were already in the U.S., and he always knew he would eventually join them. Before leaving Ghana, he got married and had children.
In 2017, Samuel got the opportunity to move to the U.S. and had to leave his family behind. His first impression of America was overwhelming—especially the cold weather when he landed at Dallas Airport. However, he quickly adapted and realized that in the U.S., anything is possible if one is willing to work hard.
He initially struggled to find a job, taking about two months before securing employment. Eventually, he ventured into multiple fields, including behavioral technician work, nursing, and Uber driving. He noted that in America, job opportunities are vast, and one can earn a good income in various professions. Some people even make as much money doing blue-collar jobs as those in high-ranking positions at banks.
Samuel highlighted the vast economic opportunities in the U.S. compared to Ghana. He explained that while Ghanaians often get discouraged when they hear large amounts of money being discussed, in America, those figures are part of everyday life. People receive paychecks every two weeks, and even minimum-wage jobs provide enough income to live comfortably.
He also discussed the credit system in America, where people can acquire expensive items on credit and pay in installments over time. This system makes it easier for people to afford housing, cars, and other necessities without struggling to raise large sums upfront.
Reflecting on Ghana’s economic and social challenges, Samuel criticized the country’s poor mindset and lack of patriotism. He pointed out that corruption starts from a young age and continues into adulthood. He shared his personal experience with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), where he had to pay a bribe to obtain his driver’s license. He believes that the lack of integrity in Ghana’s system makes it difficult for the country to progress.
Samuel has a large family with five children. When things got tough in Ghana, he saw traveling as the best way to secure a better future. His first daughter is now in London, and two of his children are studying in Kumasi. He believes that children who complete their basic education in Ghana before moving abroad tend to excel more than those who migrate at a young age.
He frequently travels back to Ghana to visit his family, spending months there when possible. His goal is to complete his business projects in Ghana while maintaining financial stability in the U.S. He noted that cost of living in Ghana is surprisingly higher than in America, yet salaries remain low.
Samuel appreciates the structured system in America, which enforces discipline and accountability. He recounted receiving a $300 speeding ticket early in his stay, which made him more cautious while driving.
He also emphasized that America allows people to plan their future with certainty, unlike in Ghana, where instability makes long-term planning difficult. The financial freedom he has gained enables him to travel at will, whether for holidays in Canada or visits to Ghana.
Samuel continues to build his business while ensuring his family has a stable life both in Ghana and abroad. He encourages Ghanaians to embrace better governance and personal responsibility, as these are key to national development.
Samuel believes that Ghanaian students who complete their basic education in Ghana before moving abroad tend to excel more than those who migrate at a young age. This is why he chose to have his five children study in Ghana before considering their relocation.
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