Kwadwo, a Ghanaian Based in Canada, Shares His Journey: “Skills Are Valued, but Life Abroad Is Different”
Kwadwo, a Ghanaian now living in Prince Edward Island, Canada, reflects on his journey from Kumasi to Canada. Unlike cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Alberta where many Ghanaians reside, he notes that very few Ghanaians are based in Prince Edward Island.
Having spent most of his life in Ghana, Kwadwo attended senior high school and university in Kumasi before working as a public servant in various institutions including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Later, he pursued Environmental Engineering Technology. Though he had completed his master’s thesis, he secured his Canadian visa before officially graduating and took a study leave from his job instead of resigning.
Kwadwo explained that Canada was attractive to him because of the easier visa process and the common language, English, which aids integration. However, he stressed that the reality abroad differs greatly from expectations. While many in Ghana believe jobs are abundant abroad, he pointed out that menial labor jobs are the most common, and the experience is not as glamorous as perceived.
He emphasized that in Ghana, people are often picky about jobs, especially when it comes to manual labor, while abroad, even citizens avoid such work. “No Kumasi girl would do Kayaye, but here even the brothers see menial work as a job,” he observed.
Schooling abroad, he noted, comes with significant pressure, especially for those supporting families back home. Many students drop out due to financial strain. Kwadwo, who has a wife and children, admitted the stress can be overwhelming but encouraged focusing on education while doing menial jobs temporarily to achieve better opportunities.
He warned that abroad, payment is based on hourly work — if you don’t work, you don’t earn, unlike Ghana’s monthly salary system. Life abroad is tough; missed rent payments could easily lead to eviction. “Abrokyire is real,” he said, cautioning that cultural differences make it even harder.
According to Kwadwo, skilled workers have better prospects in Canada. He advised professionals to stick to their fields rather than switching careers unnecessarily. Canadian employers value experience highly, and having both Ghanaian and Canadian work exposure strengthens one’s resume.
He also mentioned that the Canadian government has shifted focus towards skilled workers, suspending some academic programs that don’t align with labor market needs. Skilled trades, construction, and healthcare are currently in high demand.
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show, a Ghanaian migrant shared his experience of life abroad, revealing that even highly educated professionals like bankers end up doing manual jobs in Canada.
In conclusion, Kwadwo urged Ghanaians to appreciate opportunities at home. “If you’re doing well in Ghana, don’t rush to leave. Focus on building your skills because that’s what the system abroad values most.”
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