Theodore Shares His Journey From Ghana to Scotland and Life Abroad
Theodore, a Ghanaian currently based in Scotland, recently appeared on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show to share his experiences studying and living abroad. He left Ghana on 13th September 2024, after realizing that despite political opportunities and positions he held at home, success was limited. Theodore explained that many people believe one can “make it in Ghana,” but his experience showed that to gain certain skills and opportunities, traveling abroad was necessary.
In Ghana, Theodore hails from Akye in Asamankese and was actively involved in politics with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He completed his national service at DVLA 37 and later worked as a parliamentary research assistant. Beyond academics, he has been a farmer from a young age, growing cocoa and coconuts. While studying at the University of Cape Coast, he combined education with farming activities. Theodore already holds a master’s degree from both the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and he is currently pursuing an MSc in International Tourism and Hospitality Management in Scotland, where he expects to graduate in December.
Upon arriving in Scotland, the first five to six months were challenging. He struggled to find employment until a friend suggested he try cleaning work. After an initial rejection, he reapplied and secured the job, working for two months and saving enough to transition into security work. Theodore is now a certified door supervisor in the UK. Reflecting on his early days, he observed that while Scottish people might seem “stingy” or reserved, this is largely due to their tax and income structures, which differ from Ghana. He noted that many Ghanaians abroad often post glamorous pictures on social media, but behind the scenes, people deal with stress, loneliness, and financial pressure.
Theodore has also worked in warehouse jobs, learning valuable lessons about work ethics and self-discipline. He cautioned young Ghanaians against rushing abroad without proper preparation. He said that if someone has only a small salary in Ghana and freedom, it’s better to work locally first. Selling a car or house to fund migration, he warned, is risky, as life abroad is not easy and requires careful planning.
Currently, he lives in a shared two-bedroom apartment in Scotland, paying £800 per month. He plans to stay in the UK for no more than four years before returning to Ghana to focus on business ventures. His parents continue to manage his farms back home. Theodore also recalled an offer he received for a German visa costing GH₵200,000, which he successfully obtained upon arrival in Scotland.
For Theodore, the ultimate goal of studying and working abroad is to gain knowledge and experience, then return to Ghana to contribute to the country’s development. He encourages young Ghanaians to pursue international opportunities wisely and return home to help build the nation
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