From Ghana to South Africa to Ireland: Kingsley’s Journey of Survival, Hustle, and Hope
Kingsley is a Ghanaian currently living in Dublin, Ireland. His story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. Originally from Breman Brakwa in Ghana’s Central Region, Kingsley moved to Accra after school and lived with family near Circle. Like many young people, he hustled through different jobs before landing a role at Fan Milk Ghana.
In an interview with Dj Nyaami on Svtv Africa’s
Daily Hustle Worldwide show, Kingsley revealed that In 2016, driven by the desire to seek better opportunities, Kingsley left Ghana for South Africa. Initially, he tried to go to Canada but was advised by a friend to consider South Africa instead. Life there wasn’t easy. The Ghanaian community in South Africa often found work in barbershops, salons, and mechanics, but Kingsley faced challenges because he didn’t have a work permit.
He was initially hosted by a Ghanaian woman in Johannesburg. Although things started off well, reality soon hit when his girlfriend—who had been a strong support—left him and returned to Ghana. She had become a “queen mother” in Ghana, making it impossible for her to return to South Africa. Kingsley was left homeless and without means, sleeping in the streets and struggling to survive.
Fortunately, his story took a turn when he met a South African woman who later became his wife. She gave him shelter, helped him apply for asylum, and supported him financially. Their love grew stronger, and they eventually had a son. Their child was granted an Irish passport, which gave Kingsley the chance to legally migrate to Ireland with his family.
Now based in Ireland, Kingsley says life is more structured, and although things aren’t perfect, there is hope and progress.
“Life starts at dawn when you move to another country and survive,” he says. “Every day I wake up, I’m reminded that this journey is worth it.”
He hasn’t returned to Ghana since 2016 but is planning a visit soon with his wife and child. He urges others in South Africa—especially those overstaying their visas—to seek proper asylum within their first month of arrival to avoid future deportation. Kingsley believes it’s important to tell the truth about life abroad:
“People think it’s easy, but only those who’ve lived it know the real stress and sacrifice.”
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