Ghanaian pharmacist Prince, currently based in South Jersey, USA, was a guest on SVTV Africa’s “Daily Hustle Worldwide” show with DJ Nyaami. He shared his experiences of moving to the U.S., his career transition, and the challenges he faced along the way.
Prince was born and raised in Oseikrom (Kumasi) and Koforidua. He attended St. Peter’s Secondary School in Nkwatia before transferring to Opoku Ware School, where he graduated in 1994. In 1996, he pursued a degree in Pharmacy and completed his studies in 2000. After his national service at a pharmacy office, he passed his board exams and officially became a pharmacist. He later pursued his master’s degree while working with the Pharmacy Council in Kumasi and was eventually transferred to the Accra head office in 2008 and later transferred to Tamale.
In 2016, Prince visited the U.S. to assess opportunities and reconnect with family. In 2017, he officially moved to the U.S., resigning from his job in Ghana. His wife and children were already in America, and he felt it was necessary to join them. However, adjusting to life in the U.S. came with its challenges.
Prince described the sharp contrast between Ghana and the U.S., particularly in terms of work culture and daily life. He recalled seeing massive trucks shredding paper, realizing that even waste management is a lucrative industry in America. Despite being a qualified pharmacist, he had to go through recertification to practice in the U.S.
To adapt, Prince took on security jobs to improve his communication skills and American accent. He also worked as a pharmacy technician while preparing for the Pharmacy Board Exams. It took him a year to complete the 1,500-hour internship requirement, and by 2020, he officially became a licensed pharmacist in the U.S.
Although Prince now earns a six-figure salary, he highlighted the financial pressures of living in America. Unlike in Ghana, where he had built his own house and didn’t pay rent, in the U.S., many people are tied to 30-year mortgages. He noted that while salaries are high, expenses such as taxes, insurance, and loans consume a significant portion of earnings.
Prince advised Ghanaians not to rush into moving to the U.S. unless they have a solid plan. He emphasized that while opportunities exist, the system forces you to keep working to maintain a certain lifestyle. He also encouraged those in Ghana with stable jobs to consider entrepreneurial ventures instead of assuming that life in the U.S. is easier.
He concluded by stressing the importance of networking and continuous education, stating that upgrading skills is crucial for success abroad. He also shared that he still engages in farming in Ghana, growing cassava, coconuts, and mangoes.
Ultimately, Prince moved to the U.S. for family reasons, ensuring he could be present in his children’s lives. Despite the challenges, he has successfully built a career as a pharmacist and continues to balance life between Ghana and the U.S.
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