Misbau Adams is a Ghanaian based in the United States, currently living in Boston, Massachusetts. He appeared on SVTV Africa’s “Matters Dey” show with Dj Nyaami, where he shared his inspiring journey from Ghana to America and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Back in Ghana, Misbau was based in Sunyani, where he used to sell mobile phones. In 2003, he traveled to Libya but later returned to Ghana before heading to Russia in 2005 to study. He spent a year in Russia learning the language and joined an exchange program that required an application fee to move to the United States. Fortunately, he got his visa and traveled to America.
According to Misbau, he came to the U.S. as a student through a summer program. Although the plan was to return to Russia afterward, he decided to stay because he had secured a job. During that time, he met his American wife, and after getting married in 2012, he obtained his residence permit (nkrataa).
He revealed that he had sold everything in Ghana to move to Russia, and if the American opportunity hadn’t worked out, he would have remained in Russia permanently. Misbau and his wife have children and continue to live happily together.
Reflecting on life in America, he explained that success abroad requires hard work, planning, and financial discipline. He and his cousins share a joint account to manage bills and expenses efficiently. Misbau believes that buying a house abroad is a smart move for anyone planning to settle overseas, as it becomes a long-term investment — one that can be sold, rented, or kept for their children.
He has already bought a house in the U.S. and encourages others to do the same. Misbau advises against relying solely on pension because it depends on the nature of one’s job and the number of years worked. Unlike many who think pension is a scam, he believes it can work well if one plans properly.
Although he has visited Ghana twice, he plans to return again soon — this time with his wife and children. For him, Ghana remains home. He warned that even with an American passport, one remains a foreigner, and things can change unexpectedly.
Misbau concluded by saying that there’s no reason to feel depressed in Ghana, adding: “If you think you’re depressed in America, pack your things and go back home.”
He believes that living abroad comes with challenges, but it’s worth it for those who are willing to take the risk and work hard — “Abrokyire yɛ,” he said, meaning “life abroad is what you make of it.”














