Ghanaian Mechanical Engineer Saddick Shares His Journey From Abroad to Building a Successful Life in Ghana
Saddick, a Ghanaian mechanical engineer, recently shared his inspiring story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. He studied mechanical engineering and completed his national service at AngloGold, where he gained hands-on experience in the engineering field. Later, he worked in offshore operations, laying subsea pipelines for oil companies, and traveled extensively to countries like the UK, Brazil, Germany, Holland and the U.S. through maritime contracts.
Before moving to the U.S., Saddick had spent six years working on vessels and was involved in pipe-laying operations offshore. He attended Accra Polytechnic and later trained in maritime operations in Nungua. His skills and reputation earned him international assignments.
He eventually relocated to the U.S. through his younger brother in New Jersey, aiming to restart his life. However, things took a difficult turn. His brother, who had once used Saddick’s documents to gain university admission at Legon, mistreated him. Despite working two jobs, Saddick didn’t receive any salary for four months because his brother took all his earnings. When Saddick confronted him, his brother threatened his life, forcing him to leave and return to Ghana—with just $100.
Before leaving, Saddick reported his brother’s associate (referred to as the “Nkrataya guy”) to his father, who cried and blessed him. Saddick later applied for a visa to the Netherlands, but the conditions there were not favorable, prompting his return to Ghana.
Back home, Saddick turned his life around. He opened a plumbing materials shop in Agbogba, later expanded into car sales, and now owns a garage where he imports and sells vehicles. He even sold his first imported Toyota Vitz as an Uber vehicle. Today, he is married with twins, has built four houses in four years, and lives a more peaceful life in Ghana, free from the pressures of life abroad.
Reflecting on life abroad, Saddick noted that while people think America guarantees success, many Ghanaians struggle in silence. He shared that he saw fellow Ghanaians homeless in Manhattan and The Bronx, some living in shelters or sharing overcrowded rooms. He emphasized that in Ghana, even two-bedroom houses offer more peace and dignity than the shared housing conditions abroad.
He also criticized the mindset of many Ghanaians who chase quick money and neglect hard work. “Many Ghanaians abroad work warehouse or care jobs, and send all their money back home. Most haven’t built houses or made progress after many years,” he said.
Saddick warned against sending children abroad too early, as many get exposed to drugs and lack discipline. “In Ghana, you can raise disciplined kids. In America, many kids as young as 13 or 14 are already into drugs. Parents abroad often lose control,” he added.
He believes the ‘abrokyire dream’ is outdated and advised Ghanaians to assess their situation at home before rushing to travel. “If things are working for you in Ghana, build on that. I succeeded here. Focus, work hard, and you’ll make it,” he concluded.
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