Samuel, a Ghanaian living in South London (Louisian), appeared on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami to share his migration story. He began visiting the UK in 2001 while studying at the University of Ghana, Legon, and officially relocated in 2003.
Originally from Aminase, Samuel attended JHS at Asantampon and Opoku Ware from 1995 to 1997, then gained admission to Legon in 1999. Inspired by a cousin who regularly visited the UK, Samuel decided to follow the same path. His cousin helped him with the visa process by providing documents and a bank statement. After several struggles, Samuel finally secured a visa, with support from his brother who also helped him buy a plane ticket.
He started out in the UK working in construction. Samuel recalled a tense moment at the airport when he was stopped by customs and narcotics officers after making a phone call, but he was eventually allowed entry.
Between 2005 and 2007, he lived without proper documentation (“nkrataa”). Eventually, he paid someone £7,000 to help him get legal papers. At one point, a friend introduced him to another visa process, which cost £4,000. Though the visa appeared real and was used to obtain a UK driving license and even a visa to Holland, it turned out to be fake. One of his friends used the same document to apply for a U.S. visa, got caught, and was deported to Ghana, where he’s remained for 15 years. That experience deeply discouraged Samuel, and he threw the fake document away.
Later, in 2007, he paid a man in Germany to process legitimate documents, but his application was initially refused. One lawyer failed to notify the Home Office, causing further delays. Eventually, he succeeded in getting legal residency.
Life in the UK was tough, especially when living without papers. Samuel worked various menial jobs—security, restaurants, and more. Despite working hard, he explained how the system often takes most of what you earn.
Now married with children, Samuel lives in London with his Ghanaian wife and family. His eldest child is 14. While his wife stays home to care for the children, Samuel continues to work. Despite being in the UK, they maintain their Ghanaian roots—cooking traditional foods, speaking local languages, and watching Ghanaian content at home.
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