Ray’s Journey from Ghana to the UK: Challenges, Successes, and Life Lessons
Ray, a Ghanaian man based in the UK, was recently a guest on SVTV’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. In the interview, he shared his personal journey from Ghana to the UK, the struggles he faced, and his vision for a better life.
Ray, originally from Takoradi, Ghana, worked as a mechanic at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) before leaving the country. His time at the port gave him valuable skills and a steady income, but he always dreamed of achieving more. He wanted to start a large-scale farming business, particularly in catfish farming, with hopes of generating significant capital. However, Ray realized that opportunities for significant growth in Ghana were limited, and the financial system wasn’t as supportive as he hoped.
After resigning from his job at the port, Ray moved to the UK with a woman, intending to make a fresh start. Unfortunately, his experience in the UK wasn’t as smooth as he had hoped. The relationship quickly soured, and he found that many Ghanaian women in the UK have expectations that can be financially burdensome. Ray noted that many of these women take advantage of the situation, assuming they will benefit financially by staying in the UK.
Ray explained how, despite spending a significant amount of money—around £12,000 to £15,000—to come to the UK, he felt betrayed by the woman he came with. He described her as someone who became greedy once they arrived, changing the dynamics of their relationship. The experience led him to reflect on the challenges many Ghanaians face when migrating to the UK. He emphasized that many migrants are taken advantage of by people they trust, which can lead to painful and expensive consequences.
Despite these hardships, Ray persevered. He worked multiple jobs in the UK, including warehouse and security jobs, while saving money to pursue his business dreams. Ray was able to secure a forklift license and worked his way up, making a significant income. He noted that while life in the UK was challenging, it offered him the opportunity to earn far more than he could have in Ghana. He also mentioned that the UK system was more supportive in terms of health and social benefits, something that Ghana lacked in comparison.
Reflecting on his time in the UK, Ray shared that he was able to accumulate wealth much faster than he ever could have in Ghana. In just a few months, he managed to make 100,000 GHS, a sum he never would have earned in his home country. He also spoke about a business venture he’s involved in, shipping containers from the UK to Ghana. Ray has big plans for the future, including expanding his business and helping others who face similar challenges.
Ray’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of a better life, despite the obstacles that come with migration. He encourages others to be cautious when making the decision to move abroad, especially when dealing with contracts and relationships. Ray’s message is clear: “Life is tough, but it gets better if you stay focused on your goals.”
Watch The Video Below:
About The Author
