Kwame, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and former resident of the United States, is now thriving in business back home—but not without regrets.
In a candid interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle GH Show, he opened up about the 13 years he spent in America and how, in hindsight, he considers that period largely wasted.
Now based in kumasi, Kwame hails from the Denkyembo area and is making strides in Ghana’s business space, especially in the automotive and general trading sectors. He runs a successful enterprise dealing in automotive and general-purpose paints, plasticware, Bostik adhesives, and other goods. His store is located at Asafo Market, and he owns an aboboyaa (cargo tricycle) to aid in deliveries. He imports items from Dubai and supplements them with locally sourced products.
Reflecting on his time abroad, Kwame expressed deep regret:
“If Domino’s Pizza can’t afford my lifestyle today, it means I was broke back then. I wasted 13 years of my life in America. If I had used that same energy and time to invest in businesses in Ghana, I would be far ahead by now.”
According to him, many Ghanaians abroad are misled into thinking that 9-to-5 jobs and obtaining a social security number equate to success.
“People think once you have a 9-to-5 and a social security number, you’ve made it. But that’s not freedom—it’s hardship. Many are stuck in a cycle where they can barely pay rent or afford proper healthcare. That’s not living.”
Kwame believes that misinformation and poor decision-making cost him valuable time. He pointed out that the environment and the people you surround yourself with in a foreign country significantly shape your future:
“In the diaspora, if your circle isn’t inspiring or financially sound, it’s easy to remain stagnant. You end up surviving, not thriving.”
He encouraged the youth and returnees to prioritize self-education and mindset transformation.
“The first step to changing your life is to seek knowledge. Watch educational content, learn from people who are doing well. When people see someone looking good, they think that’s all there is—but they don’t see the knowledge and strategy behind it.”
Kwame’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the grass isn’t always greener abroad. For him, true freedom and wealth began after he returned to Ghana and started building his own path through business. His journey reflects the importance of vision, timing, and the courage to start over—even after a decade away.
READ MORE:13 Years of Hard Work in America Could Have Made Me a Billionaire in Ghana-Kwame Rants
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