Rastaafiakofi, a Ghanaian living in the United States, recently addressed online critics who called him “ugly” and accused him of using backdoor means to settle in America. In a firm response, he explained that even though agents can help with visa paperwork, getting an American visa requires intelligence, confidence, and preparation. He challenged those mocking his appearance to try getting a visa themselves—stating that “beauty doesn’t win you a visa—brains do.”
Kofi began his education at Rapid Preparatory School in Sunyani and later attended Twene Amanfo Secondary School, Sunyani Polytechnic, and Catholic University College of Ghana. He studied Education with English and began his teaching career in Nkoranza, later teaching at Mfantsiman and Buokrom Senior High Schools.
Despite his love for teaching, he emphasized that “teaching in Ghana isn’t financially rewarding” and that many people enter the profession without passion. Coming from a family of teachers, he used to tutor his neighbors as a child and saw teaching as a calling, not a path to wealth. However, due to limited capital, he couldn’t venture into entrepreneurship.
Kofi moved to America with no family or friends. A friend later hosted him, and he gradually found his footing. He currently works as an English teacher in a public school and also takes up side jobs like Uber and event decoration to support himself. These side hustles can earn him up to $4,000 a month.
He highlighted the difference between the U.S. and Ghanaian systems, noting that in America, there are more opportunities and structure—from filing taxes to criminal background checks before renting apartments. He added that children in America often have better computer skills than some university graduates in Ghana.
One of his proudest achievements was inspiring another Ghanaian teacher, who had taught for 15 years back home, to move to the U.S., get credential evaluation, and now teach in South Carolina.
According to Kofi, teaching in America is more tech-based and less stressful than in Ghana. He manages his time between school, Uber driving, and attending events. He also mentioned that the monthly salary he earns in the U.S. is equivalent to what Ghana’s government pays teachers in a whole year.
Kofi has a 15-year-old child in Ghana but is currently not married. He says he plans to remarry. He holds no regrets about moving to the U.S., saying, “If someone tells you not to travel, they don’t wish you well. Even leaders travel. When you earn enough, come back and help Ghana.”
He encourages educated Ghanaians with qualifications to do their research, apply, and make the move if possible. “America is the real ‘Sikaduro’—if you work smart and stay focused, you will succeed,” he concluded.
You can find him on social media under the handle @Rastaafiakofi.
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