Kofi, a Ghanaian currently based in the UK, has been living there for two years. He was influenced by his circle of friends to travel to the UK. Back in Ghana, Kofi owned a low-key but active construction business and rented out machines. However, seeking greener pastures, he decided to leave it all behind and relocate to the UK.
To get the visa, Kofi paid £14,000 under a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) arrangement. He was told he could earn up to £5,000 monthly with hard work. Motivated by this promise, he sold his land—worth GHC150,000, which was later valued at GHC600,000—and his car to finance the move. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t match the dream.
In the UK, Kofi lived in West Norwood and was earning £1,600 a month from his job. Rent alone was £850 monthly. After paying for transportation, food, and remittances to Ghana, he could barely save £200. At one point, he took on two jobs and managed to earn £2,800, but the physical and mental stress became unbearable. He began to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
“The system will push you to work non-stop. I became very lonely,” he shared.
Despite having valid documents and being entitled to his salary, Kofi made the bold decision to return to Ghana. He took two weeks of leave and went back home. He now plans to officially inform his employer that he won’t return.
According to Kofi, many Ghanaians on COS visas are stranded in the UK. Some companies have cancelled sponsorships, leaving workers jobless and desperate—some even resorting to survival tactics like sleeping with men for money. Many took loans before travelling and are now struggling to stay afloat.
“If someone advises you to sell your business and property to move abroad, know that person doesn’t love you,” he warned. “I sold my land and car for this move, and now I take Uber rides while my former rival—who once rented my machines—is thriving in Ghana.”
Kofi, an engineer and handyman by profession, tried to study the UK system and fit into the construction industry. However, he realized that his business back in Ghana had more long-term potential. An older man he worked with in the UK once told him, “If you had a business in Ghana, you shouldn’t have come. We wish we could go back.”
Now back in Ghana with his wife and children, Kofi reflects on his decision with clarity. “Abroad is for those who have nothing. If you’re already doing well in Ghana, stay. Expand your business at home. The UK is not what people make it seem.”
“I’ve learned a very expensive lesson,” he concluded. “Before I went to the UK, I never even used aboniki. Over there, it became my best friend.”
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