Prince Sarfo is a Ghanaian who has been living in Seoul, South Korea, for the past eight years. Before relocating, he lived in Takor-Nhyiaeso and previously in Mango Anmansem West with his grandmother. After completing his PhD, he moved to Kumasi to live with his father. He trained in welding and fabrication, specializing in agricultural machinery like corn mills and bread ovens.
While he was still learning the trade, his father, who worked as a contractor, passed away. Prince had to step in and take over his father’s role while continuing his training at Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI). By age 29, he was working and earning money but admits he mismanaged his finances. He got into trouble with some loan sharks and was constantly pursued at work—even involving the police. Around that time, he also tried illegal mining (galamsey) at Akyedum to survive. Unfortunately, both of his parents had passed, and he had no family support.
A turning point came when a friend studying in South Korea encouraged him to apply for a visa and invited him to join him. Prince was hesitant, especially after leaving his shop in the care of someone who eventually took it over. But he proceeded with the visa application. At the embassy, he met someone who later helped him upon arrival in Korea. His friend, who had arranged the visa, eventually moved to Germany but connected Prince to another contact in Korea who also helped him—though he charged him $1,000 before Prince could apply for asylum.
When Prince arrived in Korea, he initially stayed in a cramped space, then found shelter in a church. He began working just a week after arriving, starting with a cardboard-cutting job. He later moved on to other factory jobs, including carpentry-related work and another paper box job, which he did for three years.
Prince has been to Ghana only once since relocating. He feels many Ghanaians don’t take learning seriously. He follows Obeng Darko’s interviews and reflects often on life back home. Interestingly, the child he left behind in Ghana is now successful—owns a house, a car, and has taken over his customer base, even publishing magazines. Prince believes his move abroad delayed his personal progress.
He also comments on the demanding work culture in Korea. He shared an example of a Korean boss who, after losing a finger in an accident, had surgery and returned to work just three days later, despite doctors advising rest. In Korea, people don’t joke with work—no matter how tired or unwell they are.
Prince concludes that while life in Ghana may be hard, traveling abroad doesn’t always guarantee success. The struggle is real everywhere, and if you’re a determined hustler in Ghana, you can still make it without having to endure the tough and often stress
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