Angela Shares Eye-Opening Insights About Life in Canada and the Challenges Faced by Ghanaian Immigrants
Angela, a Ghanaian living in Canada and a regular guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, has shared a detailed and candid account of the realities immigrants face in Canada—especially Ghanaians seeking asylum or permanent residency.
According to her, Canada has increased the processing period for permanent residency (PR) to 98 days, and anyone whose PR is not ready cannot bring their relatives to join them. She emphasized that those who seek asylum should understand the legal and emotional consequences before making the decision.
Angela explained that when one seeks asylum, their Ghanaian passport is taken away, meaning they cannot return to Ghana until they officially become a Canadian citizen. Instead of a passport, they are given a Canadian travel document, which allows them to visit other countries—but not Ghana.
She advised those who plan to seek asylum to be patient and realistic:
“You can’t have your cake and eat it. If you want to become a citizen, take your time. When you get your PR, don’t rush to go to Ghana—you are not yet Ghanaian in the eyes of the system.”
Angela further encouraged newcomers to learn a skill before leaving Ghana, as life in Canada is not as easy as many imagine. She described the social atmosphere as cold and lonely, saying that although people in Canada are polite, they are not friendly or sociable.
She also touched on the struggles of married couples, explaining that family responsibilities can be overwhelming.
“When you come to Canada, it’s just you, your husband, and your kids. Social life is different here. People are kind, but they mind their business. Many marriages suffer because of the stress and isolation.”
Angela shared her personal experience, saying she prefers to put her family before work, even if it means arriving late. She advised mothers to pursue online programs or remote jobs, as they allow flexibility to care for their children.
She also cautioned against conflicts and violence, recalling a story of an asylum seeker who assaulted his girlfriend and ended up in trouble with the law. She warned that immigrants must stay humble and law-abiding, as any criminal record can harm their chances of securing citizenship.
Angela shared a heartbreaking story about a young Ghanaian couple whose marriage broke down shortly after moving to Canada. The wife, a diploma nurse from Ghana, had three children in quick succession after her husband encouraged her to stay home and study. However, after she secretly removed her birth control and got pregnant again against her husband’s wishes, the relationship collapsed. The man took the children and refused to communicate with her, leaving her seeking shelter.
Reflecting on this, Angela urged women to respect and communicate with their husbands, stressing that disobedience and external interference often destroy marriages.
“Some women waste their time running to pastors instead of solving issues at home. Pray for wisdom and friendship in your marriage. Your children will grow up and leave one day—it’s your husband who will stay with you.”
Angela concluded by advising Ghanaian women and families planning to move abroad to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially. Canada, she said, offers opportunities—but only to those who are disciplined, patient, and willing to adapt.
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