Eric Anni, a Ghanaian currently based in Denver, Colorado, shared his story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
Eric has lived in the United States for 25 years. Before migrating, he grew up in Kumasi Suame, with his hometown being Offinso. After completing Form Four, he was studying Jontondo Frank at the high school level when he decided to travel to Libya by road through Techiman, Agadez, and Tripoli. He spent four years there between 1998 and 1999.
When he returned to Ghana, life was difficult. He later heard about the American Lottery and applied. At first, he doubted it would work, but eventually, with the help of someone, he won. However, the process wasn’t straightforward—an agent in South Africa who handled such applications often exploited winners by adding spouses and children to make money. Despite these challenges, Eric successfully completed the process and relocated to Denver, Colorado.
Before settling in the U.S., Eric once attempted traveling to the UAE through an agent who demanded a GHC 2,000 down payment. The deal left him in debt of about GHC 18,000—money he now believes could have expanded his business if he had invested it instead.
When Eric first arrived in America, his one-week salary was enough to buy land in Ghana. Excited by the opportunity, he returned home after two years to see how much had changed for the better. In the U.S., he worked as an airport cleaner for 12 years, later transitioned into taxi driving, and now drives Uber.
On a personal note, before leaving Ghana, Eric already had two children. During his time in Libya, he also fathered children with two women. Today, his daughters are grown, now in their twenties.
Eric has also managed to build a house at Kronum Afeantron. He recalls how they used to ship home-used goods to Ghana for resale, which helped the family. Reflecting on his journey, Eric admits that if he had set up a business earlier, things might have been even better.
Watch The Video Below:
About The Author
