Australia-Based Ghanaian Taxi Driver Searches for Long-Lost Ghanaian Friend After 30 Years
A Ghanaian man based in Melbourne, Australia, known as Mr. Agyekum, has made an emotional appeal to help him reconnect with a long-lost friend he met over three decades ago in Niger. Speaking on SVTV Africa’s “Connect” segment, Mr. Agyekum shared a heartfelt story of friendship, struggle, and separation that dates back to his early years before traveling abroad.
According to him, he met a young woman named Rita Dankwah, also known as Yaa Ababuo or Nana, while living in Niger. The two developed a close friendship and even planned to travel together to Libya in search of better opportunities.
“I met her in Niger. We both wanted to go to Libya. I even texted and traveled with her part of the way. Later, I went back to Ghana and my family helped me raise money to go to Cotonou to buy shoes,” he recalled.
During his travels, however, their paths separated. Agyekum said that Rita later tried to go to Libya again but was deported to Niger, while he continued to hustle and eventually made his way abroad.
“She was lucky to reach Italy. I kept hustling, and by God’s grace, I managed to travel. Since then, I’ve always wondered what happened to her,” he shared emotionally.
Mr. Agyekum mentioned that Rita told him her father’s name was Mr. Dankwah and that her family hailed from Nkawie in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. In an effort to find her, he sent people to her hometown, but they couldn’t locate anyone matching her description.
“I sent people to Nkawie to look for her family, but they couldn’t find anyone who matched. If she’s doing well, I’ll be happy. But if she’s struggling, I want to help her,” he said.
Now in his 70s, Mr. Agyekum says he has been living in Australia for nearly 30 years, working as a taxi driver in Melbourne. He is currently married to a white woman but says his search for Rita is not out of romance — it’s about closure and kindness.
“I’m married and have moved on, but I just want to know how she’s doing. It’s been over 30 years. She was a good person to me, and I haven’t forgotten her,” he explained.
Mr. Agyekum also mentioned his friend, nicknamed Playboy, who was part of their travel group through Niger.
“We all suffered back then. I slept in Niger for months, and she took care of me like a sister. That’s why I still remember her,” he said.
Reflecting on his long stay abroad, Agyekum noted that life overseas teaches many lessons.
“I’ve lived abroad for 30 years. When you come here, the system itself will advise you. I’ve seen a lot in Europe and Australia,” he added.
He concluded his interview with a heartfelt message:
“If anyone knows a woman called Rita Dankwah, also known as Yaa Ababuo or Nana, from Nkawie, please help me find her. I just want to know she’s okay.”
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