US-Based Ghanaian, Mr. Paul Aidoo, Shares His Journey From Basement Living to Skilled Career Success on SVTV Africa
Ghanaian-born Mr. Paul Aidoo, now based in the United States of America, has shared an inspiring account of his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a highly skilled technician earning a sustainable income. He narrated his story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami, where he appears as a regular
Mr. Aidoo recalled that when he first arrived in the U.S., a friend living in Maryland offered him space in his basement until he could find his footing. The same friend later welcomed nephews from Legon, but Paul eventually lost contact with them.
According to him, the nephews worked as CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) staff in nursing homes, but he felt he had valuable skills and wasn’t interested in taking that path.
He explained that even back in the early 1990s, many immigrants took up nursing home jobs, but he preferred to explore technical.
Paul said he was influenced by a Russian friend who enrolled his children in skilled professions—an experience that opened his eyes.
“With skills, you don’t complain. I’ve seen many people, including a carpenter from Kumasi, who came here and never complained because he had a trade,” he noted.
He initially trained as an appliance technician, but the income was not as rewarding, so he upgraded into the air-conditioning and refrigeration field, where earnings were higher.
“Most of our work involves engines and air-conditioning. Once you learn commercial HVAC, you work in malls, markets, and big facilities. Every home and every business needs a skilled technician,” he explained.
Paul added that even people who arrive in the U.S. with no trade can learn one, noting that many Mexicans and immigrants enter skilled trades and succeed.
Paul has been working on contract since 1995, and today he earns an impressive $120 per hour, depending on the nature of the job.
“If the job is plenty, it’s negotiable. They even pay for my private time. Moving from home is $100 before the $120 an hour,” he said.
He has also built a strong financial record, with his credit card offering him up to $3,000.
“I’m sitting in a $400,000 house. I bought this house, raised my kids here, and paid it off,” he revealed.
Mr. Aidoo shared strong advice about real estate investment, urging Ghanaians abroad to prioritize buying a home in America before building mansions in Ghana.
“If I had invested the money I used for properties in Ghana here in America, the value would have doubled,” he said.
He added that although he owns houses and apartments in several prime areas in Accra, the return on investment in the U.S. is higher.
“You can build a nice townhouse in Ghana, but don’t rush to build a mansion. Invest in America first,” he advised.
Paul said he plans to retire soon and split his time between the two countries.
“I will spend six months in Ghana and six months in America. When I retire, I’ll sell this big house and get a smaller one.
He ended by encouraging Ghanaians abroad and back home to learn a skill or go into nursing, noting that vocational and medical professions provide stability, steady income, and long-term financial freedom.
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