Kwabena, a Ghanaian who has lived in Canada for the past 24 years, recently appeared on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami, where he reflected on his long stay abroad and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.
Born and raised in Accra, Kwabena attended Suhum Secondary Technical School (SUTESCO), where he studied mechanical engineering. He shared that he was sponsored to Canada in 2001, at the age of 19, and first settled in Montreal.
“I wasn’t in a hurry to travel abroad. My uncle was the one who arranged everything for us,” he said. “Back in Africa, we take education seriously. In class, I used to do homework for others. We, Africans, take education like the World Cup.”
After arriving in Canada, Kwabena realized that life abroad required a different kind of learning — one that combined both skill and business.
“In Ghana, I chose building and construction by mistake, so I had to repeat some classes. My father also worked in construction, and I saw how tough it was,” he explained. “When I came abroad, I shifted into business because I needed to pay rent and bills.”
Kwabena observed that many Ghanaians abroad focus only on their assigned work rather than learning new skills.
“Most Ghanaians work for companies but never try to go into the engine room to learn more,” he said. “That’s why many can’t fix a car even if they’ve worked for a car brand. If they learned an apprenticeship trade, they could build something for themselves.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by many Africans abroad, Kwabena noted how some fall into distractions and short-term thinking.
“When I came, a lot of guys were chasing white women instead of focusing on progress. I told them that wasn’t the life,” he recalled. “I decided to work with the Indians instead. They are business-minded and very ambitious.”
He eventually built his own business and, through persistence, began earning well.
“It took me a while before I saw my first $100,000,” he said. “Most Ghanaians abroad just want small money—they get too comfortable. But to grow, you need hunger and vision.
Kwabena, who has lived through Canada’s changing economy, shared some practical financial advice.
“Don’t invest your hard-earned money in things the government can print—like paper money. Invest in land, gold, or property,” he advised. “If governments could print houses, they would have solved the housing crisis already.”
He also spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic changed housing habits in Canada.
“Before COVID, we never thought of renting basements. Now, even a small basement can cost $800 a month,” he said. “After the pandemic, people stopped buying houses, which increased pressure on the housing market.”
Though he’s been in Canada for over two decades, Kwabena admits that life there isn’t always easy.
“Many people think Canada is heaven, but survival in some provinces is tough, especially because of the cold,” he said. “Even Canadians complain that life is hard.”
Kwabena’s children currently live in Ghana, while he remains in Canada to continue working. Yet, he encourages Ghanaians to have the right mindset no matter where they are.
“When you first arrive in Canada, you feel like you’ll make it fast. But debts pile up, and you end up staying longer,” he said. “Wherever you find yourself, if you work hard and stay focused, you can succeed. The real illness is in the mind.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of honesty and collaboration.
“Many people want to do business in Ghana, but the lack of transparency makes it difficult. I still believe in helping others and working together,” he said.
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