Benjamin, currently based in Manchester, UK, shared his journey during an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show. He explained that he had lived in the UK for almost a year. Initially, he traveled to visit his wife, who was already residing there. Being a soldier in the Ghana Armed Forces, he decided to first assess the environment before considering a permanent move to join her.
Reflecting on his beginnings, Benjamin revealed that he grew up in a small village near Dansoman, Ghana. He joined the Ghana Armed Forces in 2011. After successfully passing out, he was posted to the Volta Region where he served for seven years before being transferred to Accra. Later, he was stationed at the 37 Military Hospital. In total, Benjamin served for 14 years and 4 months, gathering a wealth of experience. He emphasized that being in the army taught him discipline and he never regretted joining the Ghana Armed Forces.
Benjamin met his wife after passing out from military training in 2011. They dated for many years, had a child together, and eventually got married. While he was on a mission in Lebanon, his wife, who had already moved to the UK, encouraged him to join her. She secured several opportunities for him, and with the support of her family, he finally moved to the UK.
Initially, Benjamin noticed that his weekly salary in the UK matched his entire monthly salary back in Ghana. This motivated him to settle permanently. However, he remains cautious, regularly sending half of his earnings back home to his account in Ghana to secure his future. He plans to fully establish himself before bringing his children over to join him.
Benjamin expressed deep gratitude to his wife, describing her as an angel for her unwavering support. Despite facing challenges during their relationship, she stood by him through thick and thin. Before relocating, she had worked as a teacher in Ghana, earning between 700 to 1,200 GHC monthly.
Now, Benjamin works 12-hour shifts and sometimes adds 8 more hours at another job. His life in the UK has improved significantly compared to his time in Ghana. However, he advised that without proper connections, life in the UK could be very difficult. He cautioned others about using visit visas to stay permanently, warning that some people who “help” others get work permits might exploit them financially.
He praised the honesty and fairness of many locals in the UK, sharing an instance where he had to pay a £200 fine after running a red light. Benjamin also stressed the importance of managing finances well, as mishandling money could quickly lead to hardships.
Looking ahead, Benjamin plans to return to Ghana to purchase clothes and other items, as he finds them much cheaper there compared to the UK. For example, a pair of jeans in the UK could cost £70, while he could buy plenty more for the same amount in Ghana.
He concluded by mentioning that although jobs in the UK are tough, they offer great opportunities for financial stability if one plans properly. He advised that anyone considering moving to the UK should have a solid plan and genuine opportunities lined up before making the move.
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