Tawiah, a Ghanaian nurse currently based in the United States, has shared his unique journey from Koforidua Nursing Training College to securing a stable career abroad. Speaking on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, he revealed why he insists on having all his children born in Ghana, despite his success in America.
Tawiah completed his nursing training in Ghana, though nursing was not his first choice. “I didn’t really want to be a nurse at first, but sometimes you take a course just to open opportunities. For me, it was a chance to travel abroad,” he explained.
In 2019, Tawiah traveled to the U.S. after successfully passing his critical care exams. He began training in Florida and later moved to South Dakota, where he signed a 5,000-hour contract with his employer. Unlike many migrants who struggle with documentation, Tawiah had already secured his job offer and legal papers (Nkrataa) before leaving Ghana. “My manager interviewed me five months before I arrived. I knew how much I was going to be paid, and that made the transition smooth,” he said.
Although nursing is one of the highest-paying jobs in America, Tawiah admits it comes with challenges. Nurses are paid hourly, and many take on extra shifts to make ends meet. “You get offers from different hospitals every day. You choose based on location and salary. But it can be stressful if you don’t balance it well,” he noted.
When it comes to family life, Tawiah has made a firm decision. Despite being married with two children, he prefers that all his kids be born in Ghana. “The stress here is too much. Without family support, childcare becomes difficult and can even put pressure on your marriage. In Ghana, at least you have relatives to help. That’s why I want my wife to give birth to all our children in Ghana before moving here,” he said.
Tawiah also highlighted the differences between expectations and reality abroad. While many put unnecessary pressure on themselves to have children overseas, he believes proper planning is more important. “Traveling to the U.S. has helped me financially, but if you go through the right process, you won’t suffer. Those who rush without documents face unnecessary struggles,” he advised.
For him, migration is not just about chasing money, but about balancing career, family, and long-term planning.
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