Sampson’s Journey from Ghana to Germany: A Life of Struggles, Survival, and Lessons
Sampson left Ghana in 2011 in search of a better life and is currently residing in Düsseldorf, Germany. Before traveling, he trained at Asokore Training College, which he describes as one of the best in Ghana. However, after completing his training, he was posted to a remote village, which discouraged him. Despite his lifelong dream to travel abroad, he had no clear means to achieve it. His only hope was to work a government job, save money, and eventually leave the country—but the meager salary made this dream feel impossible.
He recounts a particularly painful moment in Ghana when his bicycle fell into a ditch—just one of many frustrating experiences that motivated him to leave. Afterward, he moved to Kumasi and then Accra, where his brother connected him with someone in Germany. Unfortunately, the person who was supposed to host him in Germany disappointed him. He ended up sleeping in a hostel until his funds ran out. He later met some Ghanaians at a train station who tried to help, but they weren’t prepared to accommodate a guest, making the situation more depressing.
Sampson worked briefly loading containers, though the job was unstable. He eventually stayed with a woman for three months. He emphasizes that his decision to travel wasn’t driven by the pursuit of wealth, but rather to improve his social life. Seeking better opportunities, he applied for asylum and spent two years in a detention center. During this time, he still managed to send money home, even as deportation threats loomed.
Later, he moved to another German state where he met a woman at an Afroshop. She became pregnant, which halted the deportation process and asylum interviews. The couple went on to have two daughters and eventually got married. However, the relationship didn’t last—but Sampson remains committed to caring for his children.
He admits that life in Germany is still better than the hustle of trading in Ghana, though it is far from easy. “It’s difficult to become rich in Germany unless you invest back home,” he said. He highlights the toll of the constant grind, stress, and even depression in Europe, noting how some locals smoke and struggle mentally—contrary to the vibrant community life in Ghana.
Sampson is currently building a 7-bedroom house in Kasoa, although it’s not yet complete. He warns against ignoring real estate development back home. “I know friends who never built in Ghana, and when they got stuck there, they had no place to stay,” he explained.
He encourages others in the diaspora to have a plan for Ghana, even if they’re unsure of how or when they’ll return. He shared that his kids have visited Ghana once with their mother and hopes they will remain connected to their roots.
Watch The Video Below:
About The Author
