Nana Yaa Yeboah, a Ghanaian based in Canada, is a regular guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami. In a recent interview, she shared her candid thoughts on migration, the realities of living abroad, and her plans to eventually return to Ghana.
Yeboah spoke about the challenges many people face when moving abroad, particularly to countries like Canada. She emphasized how some individuals, after receiving a visa, arrive with high expectations only to find that their lives are not as glamorous as they had imagined. The struggle to obtain health insurance, the pressures of adapting to a new environment, and the challenges of adjusting to the cost of living can leave people feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. She pointed out that many immigrants often underestimate the difficulties and may struggle with anxiety or mental health issues as a result.
Yeboah also highlighted the misconception that life abroad, especially in places like Canada, is always better. She noted that some Ghanaians who were not doing well in Ghana come to Canada thinking it’s the land of opportunity, but they end up in a much harder situation. She mentioned meeting several Black immigrants who, despite being in Canada for years, have not made significant progress in improving their lives. For many, the financial strain of paying rent and supporting themselves in a foreign country can be exhausting. Yaa pointed out that some immigrants are forced to rent out rooms in their apartments just to make ends meet, which leads to feelings of frustration.
According to Yeboah, the belief that the grass is always greener abroad is often misguided. She compared it to the situation in Ghana, where some people choose to pursue farming or other local businesses instead of seeking foreign opportunities. In just five years, individuals who focus on local businesses in Ghana can achieve a level of success that many immigrants in Canada struggle to reach. She stressed that for those who are content with their lives in Ghana, migrating to a foreign country can sometimes feel like moving from a comfortable situation into a much harder one.
Yeboah also addressed the growing trend of Ghanaian social media influencers and the allure of the “dirty December” lifestyle that many migrants promote. She emphasized that not everything that glitters is gold, and that the flashy, luxurious images shared on social media can be misleading. In reality, many of these lifestyles are not sustainable, and the struggles faced by immigrants are often hidden behind these carefully curated posts.
In the interview, Yeboah made it clear that she respects the decision of Erico who plans to return to Ghana. She praised those who return home to build a life and contribute to the local economy, calling them the smartest individuals. Yeboah made it clear that she doesn’t blame people who criticize Ghana or elevate life abroad to unrealistic standards. In her view, the best choice is to stay grounded and appreciate the opportunities available in both Ghana and abroad, without falling for the illusion that one is inherently better than the other.
Yeboah’s insights are an important reminder to those considering migration that the realities of living abroad can differ greatly from expectations. His decision to return to Ghana reflects his belief that the best opportunities often lie closer to home, and she continues to share her experiences on her various social media platforms, including Nana Yaa Yeboah’s personal handles, Filljoe Multimedia, and her podcast.
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