Ghanaian artist Kwame Talent, who has lived in the United States for almost three years, shared his experiences on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. According to him, living abroad can be beneficial, but only if it’s aligned with God’s plan and approached wisely.
“Abrokyire (life abroad) is good—if God wills it to help you. But if you already have money in Ghana, it’s better to invest there than to leave everything behind to come here and end up broke,” he advised. He mentioned how some people have thrived in Ghana, while others left good jobs and savings behind only to struggle abroad.
Kwame Talent gave the example of a friend who moved to the U.S. right after secondary school. Despite spending years in America, that friend still doesn’t even own a car.
“Some people don’t present themselves well, and others lose their way once they arrive,” he said. “If you stay focused, you’ll know what to do. But without God, it becomes even harder.”
He recounted how his friend’s mother brought him and his sibling to the U.S., hoping to give them a better future. However, many arrive with no plan, no mindset to return home, and end up wasting opportunities. Kwame emphasized that people abroad often don’t have proper documentation or a stable place to stay. “Sometimes, the people you meet here don’t help you succeed. They want you to go through the same hardship they faced.”
One of his major concerns about life in America is the healthcare system.
“There’s nothing free here,” he said. “I once went to Korle Bu (a hospital in Ghana) and it was much easier. In America, you’ll get the treatment, but you’ll be billed later.” He described how one friend’s child’s Hand broke she was billed $50,000. “And that was just for a sample—they had to transfer the child to New York for surgery.”
Kwame explained that even simple medications require a prescription, and health insurance is expensive. “In Ghana, you pay 25 or 50 cedis for the whole year. If we structured our country well, it would be better.” He said he asked to pay $1,800 to $1,900 medical bill in the U.S for a minor health injury that he believes will be easily fixed in Ghana and is considering returning to Ghana to take care of his health.
“In Ghana, doctors are skilled, and sometimes you get better care for less.”
He also noted how someone in Ghana once sent him $6,000 to buy a car in the U.S., only to later say they no longer wanted to move abroad. “Money is there in Ghana. You just need to strategize and make it work.”
As an artist, Kwame is making strides. He uses a sponge around his neck as part of his unique style, symbolizing purification.
“Everything is about connection. Without it, you can’t go far,” he said.
He plans to hold an art exhibition soon, featuring live painting and showcasing his works in hopes of winning an award in Ghana.
You can follow him on social media under the handle @KwameTalent.
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