Razak, a Ghanaian based in Milan, Italy, shared his heartbreaking story in an interview on SVTV Africa’s “Matters Dey” show with DJ Nyaami.
According to Razak, he traveled to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea, a journey that took him three months.
“I came to Europe two years ago through the sea route. Later, my sister Rukaya also decided to come by all means. Because she was a woman, the connection men promised her an easier and safer route,” he said.
Rukaya’s journey, however, ended in tragedy.
“Within a month, she reached Tunisia or Algeria and was preparing to cross to Italy. She called to tell me they were about to board the boat. She even sent me her passport details so I could help renew them in case anything happened. That was the last time I heard from her,” Razak recounted emotionally.
“It’s been one year and six months now. We called rescue teams and were told the boat had 48 people on board, including two pregnant women. Later, we were told it was the wrong information. I don’t know whether my sister was rescued to Malta or lost her life at sea,” he added.
Razak explained that his own journey across the sea was also full of danger.
“My brothers in Ghana encouraged me to go through the Mediterranean route. Along the way, in Algeria, soldiers arrested us at night after locals reported us for trying to cross. They took us to their house, robbed us of our phones and money, and kept us for five days,” he said.
After their release, Razak and others walked for two days before finding another connection man.
“We met more Ghanaians who were also stranded at the beach entrance. Some gave up and returned home. I decided to continue and joined a group that finally managed to cross,” he recalled.
Razak and his group were later rescued at sea and taken to Italy, where he now lives in Milan. However, the experience left lasting pain and uncertainty.
“Life here is not easy. The Italian language is difficult, and I’m still schooling and trying to find work. I won’t advise anyone to take the route I used. It’s too dangerous,” he warned.
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