“I Paid GHC40,000 to an Agent – Stranded Ghanaian in Belarus Recounts Failed Journey to Europe”
A Ghanaian man named Yeboah, currently stranded in Belarus, shared his harrowing story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. He opened up about how he was deceived by an agent and endured several failed attempts to enter Europe illegally.
According to Yeboah, he paid GHC40,000 to a Ghanaian agent who promised to help him travel abroad. The agent secured a ticket and arranged for someone to pick him up upon arrival in Belarus. Yeboah was under the impression that once he arrived, work opportunities would be available. However, the reality was very different.
“Before traveling, I did some research online and realized Belarus didn’t have much going on. But I still went because life in Ghana was tough, and I couldn’t make enough money,” he said. “I heard that in Belarus, I could earn between 1,500 to 1,800 rubles. Considering the high dollar rate, it seemed manageable.”
After his arrival, the agent connected him with another person who promised jobs—but only if Yeboah paid again. Confused, Yeboah texted the original Ghanaian agent on May 14, 2024, asking why work wasn’t free as initially promised.
He tried to connect with other Africans in Belarus, especially Ghanaians and Francophone nationals. He met one Ghanaian who helped him get a job, but after working for a month, Yeboah developed severe back pain due to the tough labor.
Desperate to reach Europe, Yeboah began looking into illegal migration routes. He learned of several dangerous paths through Russia, Croatia, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, and Lithuania. With some money left back home, he joined a group to start the journey.
Their first attempt involved a Moroccan guide who led them into the forest and gave them a map, then disappeared. They spent three days in the bush near the Warsaw border. Eventually, Polish soldiers found them, asked where they were from, and warned them: “It’s better you return than for your dead bodies to be found here.” The soldiers beat them with canes before sending them back.
Still determined, Yeboah and five others paid an additional $150 each to the agent for another attempt. The agent claimed he would guide them himself. They slept on the ground and walked for hours in freezing -15°C temperatures, trying to reach Poland. Their Arab guide continued to lead them until they heard gunshots in the distance. Eventually, they encountered eight Polish soldiers wearing black winter jackets.
They lay on the ground to avoid being seen, but one of the group attempted to dig under a fence and was arrested on the spot. To this day, Yeboah has no idea what happened to him.
Despite the trauma, Yeboah tried a third time to cross the border—but once again, they were caught and beaten by soldiers.
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