Kwame, a Ghanaian currently living in South East London, has been in the UK for three years. He shared his experience on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
Before relocating, Kwame worked at Kantamanto in Accra and used to drive a “borga. It was during this time that he connected with a British woman, whom he later married in 2021. She is Jamaican by heritage, born and raised in Britain, and speaks and acts like a typical Brit. Kwame described their union as part of God’s plan.
They spoke for three months, during which she visited Ghana three times. On her fourth visit, they got married. Kwame said he used to be depressed, wondering when he’d also get the chance to travel abroad. “I thought abroad was heaven,” he said, “but I was wrong. Many Ghanaians are suffering here.”
He emphasized that without proper documentation (nkrataa), people are forced into hard labor and are often underpaid. “When you watch London on TV, they only show the beautiful side. They hide the struggles,” he added.
Kwame believes many Ghanaians think the system in Ghana is broken and that traveling abroad is the solution. But he argues that if someone can save GHC 2,000 monthly in Ghana, they’re better off staying. “There’s no freedom here. Even if you have money, what job can you do to find happiness?” he asked.
He claims that if former President Mahama were to offer free flights back to Ghana, many would return immediately. “A lot of Ghanaians here feel stuck and regret ever coming. It’s not everyone who is meant to travel. If it’s God’s will, things will work out abroad — but if not, you’ll struggle.”
Kwame also touched on the cultural differences in his marriage. “It hasn’t been easy, but we’re managing. Ghanaian women tend to overdo things when they move to the UK. Many Ghanaian men here prefer to date foreigners rather than Ghanaian women.”
He criticized the illusion created on social media, saying many people posting flashy photos online are actually struggling. “Some sleep in shared rooms and live a tough life. Be honest with your family back home and let them know the reality. Everyone here is just trying to survive.”
Kwame ended with a word of advice: “Know why you’re abroad. You’re not from here, so plan wisely. I’m happy with my Jamaican wife. If I had married a Ghanaian woman, I might have faced more trouble. I know one Ghanaian in London who has truly made it — but that’s rare. Success abroad requires purpose and patience.”
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