Yaw Freeman, a Ghanaian based in Berlin, Germany, shared his remarkable life story in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide. Having left Ghana around 1994–1995, Yaw has spent several decades navigating life in Europe, facing both hardships and victories.
Originally from Assin Fosu, with roots in Assin Asempanaye, Yaw’s father was a chief who played a pivotal role in establishing Assin North Technical School. Yaw himself was among the founding members of the Volunteer and Barter Work Association of Ghana, contributing to various community development projects.
His journey abroad began with a trip to Denmark, but life there was far from easy. He lost his passport, had to apply for a new one, and ended up living in very difficult conditions, even sleeping in rough shelters in Copenhagen. Eventually, a woman he had known in Ghana—who was then living in Berlin—invited him to Germany. Their relationship led to marriage, but it was short-lived. Just three days after getting married, she asked him to leave, claiming she was too young and not ready for marriage. Although he gained residency (referred to as “nkrataa” in local slang), their relationship ended in divorce after she became involved with someone else.
Yaw has seen many different phases of life and has met people with incredible stories—some inspiring, others heartbreaking. He recalled meeting a mentally ill Ghanaian woman in Germany who had been abandoned by her children. He shared another story of a Ghanaian woman who died back home while her children abroad argued over who should send money to care for her. These experiences highlight a painful reality: many Ghanaians abroad adopt a Western mindset and often neglect their families back home.
He also narrated the case of a Ghanaian man whose wife died, only for two of his daughters abroad to later identify as lesbians. When he tried to discipline them, they reported him to authorities, and he was evicted from the house he had built with years of hard work. “These kinds of situations rarely happen in Ghana,” Yaw said. “That’s why if I ever settle in Ghana, I’ll bring my children back with me.”
He expressed concern over how some Ghanaian women only love “Borgas” (men abroad) because of the promise of money and property, not genuine affection. “Some women come abroad and change completely. They stop appreciating the struggles we went through together back in Ghana. They’re often influenced by bad advice from others,” he added.
Yaw also opened up about sending €350 a month for the upkeep of his four children, while also funding the construction of a house in Ghana—an effort that wasn’t fully appreciated. Despite everything, he decided to bring the children to the UK, choosing to overlook the red flags.
His message is clear: “Marriage is not for boys and girls. It’s for mature people who have done proper preparation. Never ignore red flags, and don’t force anyone to marry you.” He advised Ghanaians abroad to learn the local language and understand the laws of the country they live in. For instance, in Germany, the law may require you to financially support your ex-wife until she either remarries or passes away.
Yaw’s story is one of survival, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom. His experiences offer a cautionary tale to those planning to travel or settle abroad—know what you’re getting into, and protect your future with the right choices.
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