Kojo Afedzi, currently based in Malmö, Sweden, has lived there for four years. Before relocating, he ran his own security supply business in Ghana, which he started with just GHC 1. He lived in Israel and later in Tabora, Accra, where he was comfortable and not in need. In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide, Kojo shared that it took him over a year to finally accept the opportunity to travel abroad, as he was content with his life and business in Ghana. His sister encouraged him to take the step.
Kojo began his entrepreneurial journey by searching online for security companies and contacting them to offer supplies. His breakthrough came when a woman named Rebecca advertised for him, leading to more clients. Eventually, he established three companies. After working for three years in Ghana and saving enough money, he made the move abroad. He arrived in Sweden in February and landed a job by May. Upon arrival, he faced challenges, including being caught without proper train control. He noted that the people who help bring you abroad may end up frustrating you.
One of the major obstacles he’s faced is the language barrier, which makes daily life difficult. A friend used to manage his company in Ghana, but after the friend moved to the Western Region, Kojo now uses a Ghanaian number to maintain operations remotely. He lives alone in Sweden and pays about GHC 15,000 monthly in rent. To make ends meet, he works two jobs. Kojo emphasized how hard Ghanaians abroad have to work and raised concerns about acceptance and the possibility of being forced out of foreign countries, stating that former U.S. President Trump had already started that trend. He added that he would rather return to Ghana and start afresh than face such humiliation.
Kojo is planning to return to Ghana and venture into poultry farming as a stepping stone toward a larger farming business. He advised against hiring family members for such ventures, suggesting that outsiders tend to be more reliable. With guidance from a knowledgeable friend, he intends to purchase five acres of land and begin with 1,500 birds. According to him, one can achieve financial freedom in Ghana more easily than in Sweden. He observed that many white people in Sweden also live paycheck to paycheck, so it’s even more difficult for immigrants to attain wealth.
He also has a child in Ghana and is conflicted about bringing the child abroad, fearing it may become a financial burden. Kojo noted that the perception people in Ghana have about life abroad is often far from reality. He stressed that if you don’t work for even one month abroad, you may not be able to pay your rent, which can quickly lead to homelessness.
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