Zion Simon Anane Boateng Shares His Journey From Ghana to the UK on SVTV Africa
Zion Simon Anane Boateng, a Ghanaian living in the UK, recently appeared on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami to share his migration story. Currently based near West Croydon, Simon revealed that he moved to the UK about eight years ago.
Back in Ghana, Simon studied at the School of Journalism before working as an editor for a friend. He also worked with Capital Radio as a sports presenter. In 2011, he traveled to South Africa in search of opportunities but faced many struggles. At the time, his girlfriend—now his wife—was in the UK and encouraged him to return to Ghana to process his documents for the UK. Without money for a ticket, his sister stepped in and supported him.
Simon married his wife in 2014, and by 2015 he was active in sports presenting while living at Breman, New York, in Ghana. During this period, he often heard a spiritual voice telling him to gather people together to pray. Within a year, he had mobilized 69 people, mostly men, to join him in prayer. A pastor later confirmed to him that God had destined him to travel within five years, but Simon believed it would happen sooner.
When he first applied for a UK visa, he was denied, leaving his wife worried. However, after persistent prayer, he miraculously received a call reversing the decision. On July 16, 2018, Simon was granted his visa and traveled to the UK the very next day.
In the UK, Simon secured a CSCS card after studying online and on YouTube, which qualified him to work in construction. He began as a laborer, earning weekly pay. Later, he tried other jobs—including security work at K4 Security, where he was paid well but under the table—before settling back into construction. Eventually, he landed a more stable job with full benefits.
Simon recalled a turning point when a crane went missing at work. Fortunately, he had been moved to the main office at the time, so he was not held responsible and even benefited from better pay. Today, he earns well and advises others to “cut your coat according to your size” to make life abroad easier.
Reflecting on relationships in the UK, Simon noted that many people marry for immigration papers rather than love, which is why such marriages often fail. For him, however, his marriage is built on genuine love. He gives all his money to his wife, who manages their household responsibly, and together they have built a strong partnership.
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