Stephen Peprah, a Ghanaian currently living in Canada, shared his migration journey and experiences on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. Based in British Columbia, Stephen offered insights into his professional background and life abroad.
According to Stephen, he doesn’t believe in “work and pay” migration schemes, calling them scams often run by dishonest agents. He left Ghana in February 2024 and had previously worked as a contractor in the mining sector at Mines Bay and other locations.
“The work wasn’t bad. I used to earn about GHC 13,000 to 14,000 per month, and I believed my experience in mining could open better opportunities,” he said.
Stephen worked as a Field Service Technician, installing systems and equipment in mining areas across West Africa. He was based in Obuasi and later worked at the company’s headquarters in Tema. From 2013 until his resignation in 2024, he worked across countries including South Africa, Sierra Leone, and all over West Africa.
“I had friends who were white expats. One of them mentored me and helped me gain practical experience,” Stephen explained. This support eventually led to a job offer abroad.
“I traveled to South Africa, Sierra Leone, and back to Ghana for various assignments. I was trained hands-on by experienced engineers and gained confidence to pursue opportunities overseas,” he said. When the time came, he spoke to his company about getting an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), a key document for employment-based migration to Canada.
Even though his salary in Ghana was good—enough to own a car and two houses (one for his family, one for rental)—Stephen wanted more. “I was working hard, staying 10 days at the mines and returning home for a few days. But I knew I had more potential,” he said.
When he arrived in Toronto, he was lucky. A worker was absent, so he immediately got placed on a job. Today, he lives in Camp Plus, paying rent there, but when he travels for work, his company books hotels and provides a Visa card with a $5,000 monthly limit for expenses like food and accommodation. However, the card can’t be used for cash withdrawals—only purchases.
Stephen’s family still lives in Ghana, and he speaks to them every day. “Even before I left Ghana, I completed my projects and had savings in my account,” he said. He encouraged Ghanaians to acquire skills like fire extinguisher servicing or fire alarm installation, which can be learned both in Ghana and online.
He noted that while many Ghanaians aspire to move abroad, it’s important to consider the cost and lifestyle. “Someone I met in Toronto saw my Ghanaian pay slip and said if he earned that amount—between GHC 10,000 and GHC 20,000—he wouldn’t even bother coming to Canada.”
Stephen admits life in Canada is good, but there are challenges too—especially the weather. “A company wants to hire me in a town near Alberta, but I’m not sure I’ll go because I hear the temperature drops to minus 40 degrees,” he said.
In closing, Stephen emphasized that Canada is worth it for those willing to work and learn, but preparation and skill development in Ghana are essential before making the move.
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