Kwake Marfo, a Ghanaian currently based in Libya, has shared his painful experiences after spending nearly five years in the North African country. This is his fifth attempt at staying in Libya, having traveled there multiple times in search of a better life and a possible route to Europe.
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show, Kwake revealed that he attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe twice. During the first attempt, the smugglers who promised to help them cross instead sold them to another group. According to him, if migrants are perceived to have money, they are often separated and exploited. On his second attempt, he was arrested at sea while trying to migrate to Europe.
Kwake disclosed that he was released from prison just two months and two weeks before the interview. He explained that detention in Libya is harsh, and before prisoners are released, payments of up to 5,000 Libyan dinars—equivalent to over GH¢10,000—are often demanded. He warned that many people who claim they will help migrants reach Europe end up selling them to other Arab groups, which often leads to arrest, imprisonment, or worse.
He recounted a recent tragic incident in which 26 people died during an attempted sea crossing. Among the victims were 15 Ghanaians and 7 Nigerians. These recurring tragedies, he said, have strengthened his desire to return to Ghana alive, preferably by air, even though he originally entered Libya by road.
Kwake described life in Libya as dangerous and deceptive. Although some migrants claim Libya is better than Ghana, he believes many refuse to return home simply because they feel they have nothing to do in Ghana. He noted that many migrants survive by doing menial jobs, and currently, he works in a shop loading goods and selling items just to get by.
He also exposed disturbing realities involving human trafficking and prostitution. According to him, some agents—often fellow Ghanaians—lure young women, especially from villages, with promises of taking them to Europe. Instead, they abandon them in Libya and force them into prostitution. Those who resist are sold to other groups. He stressed that no Nigerian or Ghanaian woman comes to Libya willingly to engage in prostitution.
Kwake further alleged that migrants who fall sick are left to suffer without proper care. He claimed that although many have registered with the Ghana Embassy for repatriation, only a few are helped due to protocol issues. Some migrants suffering from severe illnesses, including stroke, remain trapped in cramped rooms without assistance. While Ghana and the United Nations previously helped deport migrants for free, such support has reportedly reduced.
He shared the painful loss of a close friend, known as SM, who was allegedly killed in Libya last year. The same house where his friend was killed later became the scene of another killing involving a Nigerian migrant.
Kwake used the platform to strongly warn Ghanaians considering the Libya route. He advised that the money people spend to travel through the desert and risk their lives should instead be invested in businesses back home. According to him, life in Libya is not rewarding, money is hard to come by, savings are nearly impossible, and the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to value their lives, stay away from illegal migration routes, and seek safer, more sustainable opportunities in Ghana rather than chasing false promises abroad.
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