Musah Birdman, a Ghanaian man currently living in Germany, has lived a life marked by bold moves, unexpected turns, and emotional crossroads. From humble beginnings in Italy, where he first started his journey abroad, to the challenges of settling in Germany and navigating the promise of America, Musah’s story is a reflection of many migrants’ silent struggles.
“I never planned to stay in America,” he once told a friend. “I only went to check things out, to explore.” But during his stay, life threw him a curveball.
Musah met a strong, outspoken Black American woman who fell for him deeply—and quickly. As their relationship grew, so did her emotional intensity. One day, in a moment of passion and seriousness, she looked him straight in the eyes and said: “If you ever break up with me, I will shoot you.”
It wasn’t a joke. Musah could feel the weight of her words.
Despite the chaos of the relationship, he didn’t overstay his welcome. His U.S. visa was still valid, but he made the decision to return to Germany before it expired.
“People didn’t understand why I left America,” Musah said. “But I had to think clearly. I knew I could go back if I wanted to. I wasn’t going to be pressured into anything.”
Germany wasn’t new to him—he already held a German residence permit (nkrataa), and Italy remained dear to his heart, being the place where he had first settled and received his initial documents.
“Italy is where my story started,” he often reflects. “It’s easier, less pressure. If you’re smart and hardworking, you can make it.”
He remembered the jobs he had in Italy that paid well—1,600 euros a month—and compared them to the starting salaries in Germany, which were lower at first. Yet, many still rushed to Germany, believing it offered more.
Even with legal documents from both Germany and Italy, Musah knew life abroad wasn’t always golden. He had friends who had been in Europe for over a decade without much to show. Some spent years abroad without saving, while others focused more on love affairs than legacy. “Some men marry abroad and forget the women they left behind in Ghana,” he said. “Others go home to build without telling their partners.”
Musah has made up his mind. With the experience of living in three countries, a valid U.S. visa, and residence permits from both Germany and Italy, he’s keeping his options open. He’s not rushing anymore—not into relationships, not into migration decisions, and definitely not into drama.
But one thing he’s sure about: the next time he returns to the U.S., it won’t be love that keeps him there. It’ll be purpose.
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