Derrick Okottah, a Ghanaian currently living in Mosta, Malta, recently shared his migration journey and life experiences on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. Derrick moved to Malta in 2022 and has since built a life around education, accounting, and perseverance.
Before traveling, Derrick was practicing accounting at Nii Commision International in Ghana. He studied logistics and supply chain management at the MBA level and had no strong desire to travel initially. “Traveling wasn’t my goal; it just happened,” he said. His journey took him through Doha, Qatar, where he was selected for immigration interrogation, but he ensured that all his documents were legitimate and complete.
While in Ghana, Derrick had helped friends with their travel plans. One friend who had moved to Poland later relocated to Malta and introduced him to a school there. That school aimed to partner with Ghanaian institutions for exchange programs. Derrick applied, got his visa, and made the move—Malta being the only country he applied to.
Upon arrival, a man named Fredrick hosted him and helped him secure a job. Although he came as an accountant, Derrick initially opted for menial jobs like cleaning. Within three weeks of arriving, he started working and soon landed a delivery job for four months. One day at church, he overheard people discussing accounting jobs, sent his CV to a company, got called for an interview, and was hired while studying part-time.
Although student permits in Malta limit work to 20 hours a week, Derrick and many others worked beyond that. “Malta is a good destination—the weather, language, and job environment are manageable,” he explained. His first accounting job paid a full salary, even though he was part-time. In six months, he handled accounts for nine companies and helped others, including a Ghanaian barber friend, get hired.
Unfortunately, Derrick was let go unexpectedly just a day before his probation period ended, even though he had been performing well. “I never knew why I was fired, but interestingly, the lady who managed me also resigned after I left,” he noted.
Just three days later, he got hired by another company in serious financial trouble and became their finance manager. This role paid more than his previous job and was tax-free, though he was never officially registered. “People have lived here for 20 years without regularizing their stay,” he added.
Derrick’s school in Malta was part of the last cohort that got admissions before many others began using education as a route to enter Europe and then disappear into the system. “If you’re coming to Malta, come with a purpose. If you know you’ll secure a job in France, then go. But don’t migrate just to do menial jobs,” he advised.
He also studied EU tax law and works with companies across Europe. At one point, he worked part-time washing dishes for fun, but eventually left when he was disrespected by a young manager. Today, he holds a driver’s license and a taxi tag in Malta, and occasionally drives alongside his main profession.
Derrick has a family back in Ghana, including twin children whom he misses deeply. His wife is a teacher and is also pursuing further studies. Although he loves Malta, he dreams of returning to Ghana to contribute to national development. “If I’m hired as a tax consultant in Ghana, I’ll come—regardless of the salary. My goal is to help with development,” he stated.
Reflecting on his December 2024 visit to Ghana, he expressed concern. “When I returned, it felt like nothing was working. The system seemed broken, and I wondered how I used to live in that situation before traveling.”
He ended by calling for a shift in mindset among Ghanaians. “We need cleansing in our thinking. Coming abroad may seem like the only way, but real change begins at home.”
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