A Ghanaian entrepreneur, now residing in Colorado, USA, shared his journey from a thriving business in Accra to rebuilding his life in America after a significant financial loss.
Two years ago, he operated a successful import business in Dansoman, Accra, dealing in products like spare parts sourced from Dubai and Greece. However, a $27,000 investment in a Dubai-based company turned sour when the firm abruptly shut down, leaving him unable to recover his funds. This setback forced him to sell his car and seek new opportunities abroad.
Upon relocating to the United States, he faced the challenges of starting anew. Despite the initial hardships, including adapting to a different culture and work environment, he secured employment and began planning for the future. He aims to establish a company in Ghana, having already purchased land for this purpose. His experience underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the need for Ghanaians abroad to support each other and remain focused on their goals. He also highlights the mental health challenges faced by many immigrants, such as depression and loneliness, and advocates for community support and awareness.
His story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of better opportunities, even in the face of significant obstacles.
He explained that many Ghanaians abroad struggle with housing, health, and loneliness. Rent is expensive and unforgiving — if you can’t pay on time, landlords can evict you quickly. Though healthcare is advanced, it can be inaccessible until issues become emergencies. He recalled being told his organs were fine back in Ghana, but six months after arriving in the U.S., a life-threatening condition was detected only when he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.
He emphasized that a major problem for Ghanaians back home is the lack of medical technology to detect underlying health issues early. Before seeking asylum, he was housed by a fellow Ghanaian who spoke little English and encouraged him to learn the language. Upon leaving the asylum shelter, he found himself in an empty room with no support. Eventually, a friend in North Dakota helped him find a place and a job.
His journey hasn’t been easy. He spoke of living with seven others in one house, experiencing deep loneliness despite the crowd. He witnessed fellow Ghanaians falling into depression, some even dying from emotional pain and stroke. One case that struck him deeply was of a woman who died of a broken heart in Norway, only for her husband to remarry shortly after.
He also opened up about personal loss—his wife passed away in Ghana, and his mother now cares for his children. Despite owning two houses there, he stressed that loneliness in the U.S. is real—even when sharing a house with others. “The system here is harsh. If you don’t work, you sleep outside. Depression, loneliness, and even bipolar disorder are affecting our people.”
Still, he remains hopeful. “If you don’t have a dream or plan, your days abroad will drag,” he said. He currently drives a company vehicle in the U.S.—a dream he never achieved back in Ghana. He plans to return home eventually and establish a company. Within seven months of arriving in America, he had already bought land in Ghana to begin his business plan.
He believes many Ghanaians in Ghana are doing better than some living abroad. “If you return home empty-handed, it’s a waste,” he warned. According to him, jobs are abundant in America—more than the people available to do them—but criminal records and lack of qualifications can limit access.
Looking ahead, he’s determined to build his future with focus and discipline. “Abroad can be good, but it’s not for the weak. If you’re not careful, you’ll suffer in silence. You need purpose, and you need to work for it.”
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