Yaw Freeman Exposes the Bitter Reality of Life Abroad
Yaw Freeman, a Ghanaian based in Germany and a returning guest on SVTV Africa’s Matter Dey show with DJ Nyaami, has shed light on the challenges Ghanaians face overseas.
According to him, many Ghanaians abroad (“borgas”) often lie about their experiences because people back home only want to hear the sweet side of life abroad, not the bitter truth. “A lot of people are really suffering here. Some came for greener pastures but ended up homeless, addicted to drugs, or even mentally unstable,” he revealed.
He added that difficult living conditions push some migrants into illegal activities such as drug pushing. Others work tirelessly but still struggle, sending small amounts home to support businesses in Ghana. “The truth is, you can make money anywhere if you learn a skill. Money doesn’t just come because you traveled. You must find a way to take it from people’s pockets through your talent or service,” he explained.
Yaw Freeman criticized the mentality of some Ghanaians who focus only on church and parties instead of learning practical skills. To illustrate his point, he narrated how a gym instructor in Ashaiman, hired to help women lose weight, ended up impregnating three clients instead—showing how misplaced priorities can derail people.
He also pointed out that most Ghanaians abroad don’t have $10,000 in savings, even after years of working. “Meanwhile, someone in Accra selling something as small as phone covers may have more money than many migrants abroad,” he said.
In his view, life abroad is not as easy as people imagine, and many Ghanaians who traveled may never return home because they feel trapped by the hardships and expectations.