Ghanaian Migrant Joseph Shares His UK Journey: From Years of Frustration to New Beginnings Abroad
Joseph, a Ghanaian currently based in the United Kingdom, has shared his life story and migration journey during an interview on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami.
According to Joseph, his struggles began after completing his education in Ghana. He attended Presbyterian Senior High School and later gained admission to the University of Education, Winneba. After school, he went on to do his national service, but complications arose when his posting was delayed and later changed due to administrative issues.
Joseph revealed that he stayed home for several years without a posting, during which people demanded as much as GHS 20,000 to secure one. Having lost hope, he remained unemployed for nearly six years, living at home and relying on family support.
He explained that some of his grandmother’s children were already living abroad, and eventually, one of his uncles helped him travel to the UK in 2023 through COS (Certificate of Sponsorship). Before traveling, Joseph said he encountered people who claimed they could help him relocate abroad but demanded large sums of money. His uncle instead asked him to prepare his English proficiency results, academic transcript, and passport, and later sent him money to complete the process.
Joseph criticised Ghana’s system, saying prolonged delays and financial pressure often discourage young people. He also explained that life abroad is not as easy as many imagine. Before traveling, he was told his rent would be £600, which shocked him when he converted it into Ghana cedis.
Upon arrival in the UK, Joseph said he faced early challenges due to lack of proper guidance. He was taken to an agency on his first day, but because no one had explained the system to him, he was dismissed immediately. He later learned the ropes and began working through different care agencies.
Joseph shared a personal turning point when he met a British woman during one of his night shifts. After comforting her during an emotional moment, they formed a bond that later developed into a serious relationship. By August 2024, they were living together.
Joseph also recounted a life-changing moment that happened while he was working night shifts in the UK. One evening, he met a British woman who was deeply emotional, and upon asking what was wrong, she explained that it was exactly one year since her dog had died, and she had come to mark the anniversary alone. Joseph said he felt compassion for her and took time to console and comfort her, offering her company and emotional support. From that simple act of kindness, a friendship began. Over time, one thing led to another, the bond between them grew stronger, and their friendship developed into a serious relationship. Today, that encounter has become a turning point in his life, as the two now share a home and are raising a child together.
He said he was open with her about his immigration situation, and she offered support. Although she later suffered a miscarriage, she became pregnant again and gave birth in December, on Christmas Eve. Due to immigration rules, marriage was not immediately possible, but her family welcomed Joseph warmly after getting to know him.
The couple now live together and are raising their child. Joseph spoke about their cultural differences, explaining that while she prefers British food, he has introduced her to Ghanaian dishes such as fufu.
Joseph continues to work in the care sector, which he described as a reliable source of income in the UK. He noted that although he is not personally entitled to benefits, his partner and child are, and the system provides support for them.
He also mentioned that at one point their agency’s licence was revoked, forcing them to switch agencies, but he never stayed without work for more than a month. Whenever one agency had no shifts, he found work with others, sometimes clocking 20 or more hours weekly.
Joseph added that his uncle brought four siblings to the UK on the same day, including himself. He considers himself fortunate and believes hard work is key to surviving abroad.
“There is money in care work,” he said. “If you are not lazy, you can make it abroad.”
In conclusion, Joseph advised young people in Ghana to understand that life abroad is not magical but system-driven. He urged them to prepare mentally, be hardworking, and avoid unrealistic expectations.
“Abroad looks simple from Ghana,” he said, “but once you are here, you realize nothing comes easy. You must be ready to work.”
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