Prince Anane, a Ghanaian currently living in the United Kingdom, was featured on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show hosted by DJ Nyaami. During the interview, he opened up about the sacrifices and challenges he endured in pursuit of a better life abroad.
Prince has been living in the UK for nearly three years. Before relocating, he lived in Ghana, where he was deeply involved in the Kente weaving business in Ahodwo. He shared that he started weaving Kente in his early teens after returning to his hometown one Christmas and learning the craft from friends. Prior to that, he sold Fan Ice and worked as a bus conductor (“mate”) in Accra.
Through his efforts, he was able to make some income from the Kente business, which he later supplemented by driving a car he purchased. He even employed a driver at one point, later selling that vehicle to buy a taxi and operating it near his neighborhood junction.
In 2018, Prince had a short trip to Dubai but eventually returned to Ghana. It was while working in Ahodwo that he met someone who offered to help him secure documents to travel to the UK. A man who initially wanted to buy Prince’s land ended up connecting him with an agent, and that marked the beginning of his migration journey.
To fund his travel, Prince sold his land for GHC 40,000, sold his taxi, and even considered selling his wife’s land. He also used proceeds from his mother’s poultry business to support the move. In total, he estimates having spent between £12,000 and £15,000 on his journey abroad—most of it wasted on agents and visa attempts, including a failed UK visa application that cost him £8,000.
His arrival in the UK wasn’t smooth either. At Heathrow Airport, he was nearly deported and detained for three hours. But with prior experience from being deported in Dubai and support from Mr. Gyan and Auntie Lizzy, who offered him free accommodation and utilities, he was able to stay.
Since arriving in the UK, Prince has done various jobs, including working in a mechanic shop. He admits that life abroad is far from glamorous. Despite earning money, expenses are high and savings are difficult. He warns that many long-time migrants, or “borgas,” often look worn out due to the relentless hustle.
“I’ve packed many spare parts I can’t even sell,” he said. “If you make GHC 1,500–2,000 a day in Ghana, that’s far more valuable than struggling here.”
Despite the hardship, Prince is investing in a project back home—a 15-bedroom apartment complex, each with its own toilet and bath, intended for rent. His goal is to complete this project and return to Ghana.
“If you can raise £10,000–£20,000, don’t waste your life here. Go back and start a business,” he advised. He admitted that he left his wife and children in Ghana and regrets not being able to bring them over due to the challenges he faces. “The very next day after I arrived in the UK, I wished I could return home.”
Prince concluded by saying that, had someone sponsored his trip, he would have gladly returned to Ghana without repaying the cost, given all he sacrificed just to travel. But after selling so much to make the journey, he felt compelled to stay and make the most of it.
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