Dennis Manu, a Ghanaian living in Canada, returned as a guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. He offered a balanced and insightful take on life abroad, highlighting that success is personal and shouldn’t be compared between those living overseas and those back home.
According to Dennis, “We are all wired differently.” He observed that some interviews wrongly create the impression that Ghanaians abroad are competing with those in Ghana. “I’ve achieved a lot in Canada, but I also love Ghana. I won’t badmouth either place — both have their good and bad sides.”
Dennis addressed the common belief among older Ghanaian immigrants that eating Ghanaian food in Canada prevents one from achieving financial success. He disagrees: “You can still enjoy African food and succeed. In fact, Indian and Chinese shops often sell ingredients cheaper than African stores.”
He strongly emphasized the importance of continuing education after moving to Canada. “If you come here to school and stay on track, you’ll get a good job. Almost everyone in my graduating batch is employed.” He shared a story of someone who entered Canada on a visitor visa, told immigration authorities the truth, and was given a contract job. “The Canadian system rewards sacrifice and effort, especially through education.”
Dennis warned those who think migrating to Canada guarantees instant success. “If you think it’s rosy and you’ll make it overnight, you’re wrong. Canada needs people, but they want quality, not just numbers.” He mentioned reforms to Canada’s refugee laws, explaining that those seeking asylum without relevant skills could face deportation.
While Dennis acknowledged that contract marriages happen, he believes the best and most sustainable way to acquire legal status (nkrataa) is through education. He plans to study Occupational Health and Safety, with the intention of possibly returning to Ghana to work in the mining sector. “I want to build skills that are useful in both Canada and Ghana,” he said.
He added that he volunteers through an NGO in Canada that supports skilled tradespeople and helps the homeless. “Volunteering opens doors. I know deep down that I won’t stay in the health sector forever — I’m building towards something greater.”
Dennis expressed joy over the Ghanaian cedi appreciating. However, he noted that it might negatively affect those who took large loans in Ghana to travel. “If you borrowed GHC 100,000 to travel and are now repaying in cedis while earning dollars, the appreciation will reduce your gain.”
“Canada isn’t the same for everyone. Your experience depends on what you’re doing,” he said. He admired how Indian immigrants often focus on education to improve their lives and encouraged Ghanaians to do the same. “Migration opportunities are limited per country. If you get the chance, make it count.”
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