Ghanaian Man in Libya Cries Out After Job Loss, Arrest, and Failed Journey to Europe
Emmanuel, a Ghanaian migrant currently stranded in Libya, has shared the harsh realities he faces after losing his job and being denied opportunities due to discrimination. Speaking in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show, he revealed that his contract was terminated before its due date simply because he is not an Arab.
According to him, Libyan employers blacklist Black migrants, labeling them as “slaves” and spreading false information to prevent other companies from hiring them. “This place is pure enslavement. They spoil your name to other companies so you don’t get work. I just want to leave Libya, either to Europe or back to Ghana,” he lamented.
Emmanuel disclosed that he had previously approached the Ghanaian Embassy in Libya to be part of a free repatriation flight, but was left out. In desperation, he paid 6,000 Libyan dinars to join a boat crossing to Italy. Unfortunately, the boat’s engine failed, leading to their arrest and imprisonment. “I lost everything. They arrest you once you’re caught at sea. Some people manage to cross, but many of us end up in jail,” he recounted.
He also revealed the exploitation migrants face from connection men. While others are charged around 5,000 dinars, he was asked to pay 20,000 dinars for the same journey. “Some of the Arab authorities even collaborate with the connection men. They take money and write your name on a list so you won’t be arrested when crossing,” Emmanuel alleged.
Despite multiple attempts, he remains stuck in Libya without a job or stable means of survival. The Ghana Embassy occasionally registers people for repatriation flights, grouping hundreds at a time, but Emmanuel claims he has never been selected. “I tried to move out of this country two years ago. They’ve registered people three times, but I wasn’t included. If I can get someone to buy me a ticket, I’ll return to Ghana. Otherwise, with 1,500 dinars, I can be pushed again toward Europe,” he appealed.