Sir Mike Says Leaving a GHS 30,000–40,000 Monthly Business in Ghana for the UK Was a Costly Mistake
Sir Mike, a Ghanaian currently based in Dudley in the West Midlands area of Birmingham, United Kingdom, has shared his experience abroad and the lessons he learned after relocating in 2023.
Before travelling, Sir Mike was a successful businessman in Ghana, managing escalator machines. Through renting out the machines, he earned between GHS 30,000 and GHS 40,000 monthly, making him financially stable. Despite his success, he had always nurtured a strong desire to travel abroad, believing life in the UK would offer better opportunities.
His decision was influenced by information from his sister about care home job opportunities in the UK. However, some of his business partners, particularly Indians he worked with, advised him against travelling, reminding him that he was already making good money in Ghana and encouraging him to expand his business instead. Regardless, he proceeded with his plans to travel.
After arriving in the UK, Sir Mike stayed with his sister and her husband but struggled to secure employment for approximately five months. This period caused deep reflection, as he realized that the same level of energy, discipline, and commitment he applied abroad could have yielded greater success if invested in Ghana.
During his stay, he encountered many Ghanaians who were facing severe hardship. Some had been deceived by so-called connection men, paying large sums and taking loans under the impression that documentation was included, only to arrive on visit visas with no legal right to work. Many of these individuals were left jobless, undocumented, and burdened with debts back home.
Sir Mike also observed that many Ghanaians abroad hide their struggles behind attractive social media posts, giving the false impression that life abroad is easy. In reality, many are emotionally distressed and financially strained, with some living in extremely poor conditions.
He noted that success abroad is not guaranteed by relocation alone, but rather depends on mindset, planning, and opportunity. According to him, there are no Ghanaian billionaires living abroad, a reality he believes challenges the perception that travelling automatically leads to wealth.
Sir Mike further expressed concern about raising children abroad under difficult circumstances, stating that he does not believe the environment offers a strong future for them compared to Ghana.
As a result, he has decided to refocus his efforts on Ghana. He has acquired one acre of land and has begun exploring farming and agribusiness, believing it offers long-term sustainability, peace of mind, and growth potential.
His story serves as a cautionary tale to young people who believe travelling abroad is the only path to success, emphasizing that with the right mindset and effort, Ghana still holds many viable opportunities.
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