Mohammed Mexico’s Journey from Ghana to Mexico
Mohammed, a Ghanaian now based in Mexico, shared his remarkable journey abroad.
Back in Ghana, he learned embroidery before deciding to travel to Mali in search of greener pastures. Although Mali offered opportunities, the work was seasonal. Determined to push further, he learned French and later moved to Brazil, where he worked as a cleaner. He lived in Brazil for four years and obtained residency there before deciding to continue his journey through Colombia, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
At one point, he needed $100 to continue his trip but didn’t have it. Out of kindness, he once helped someone who later repaid him with money, allowing him to move forward. Eventually, he made it to Mexico, where he lived in a camp, secured permanent residency, and later moved to Tijuana — a city where many deportees try to rebuild their lives.
Mohammed quickly adapted, speaking Portuguese and Spanish fluently, and even began helping newcomers with accommodation and basic needs. He later ventured into business, running a building materials and trucking business between Mexico and Ghana.
He explained how migrants in Mexico often receive a one-year visitor’s visa or apply for asylum, which requires regular reporting. With time, Mohammed became a citizen of Mexico, giving him the right to travel freely, including to the U.S. with a border pass and to Europe with a Mexican passport.
Despite his progress, Mohammed acknowledged the challenges. While Africans, especially Ghanaians, once had a strong community in Mexico, he said the influx of Haitian migrants has changed the dynamics, with Africans no longer being valued as before. He added that life in Mexico can be tough — rent for a two-bedroom apartment costs around $400, and though some people make up to $3,000 a month, many still get stuck, unable to cross into the U.S., which frustrates their families back home.
Mohammed also witnessed violence firsthand, recalling a time when two policemen were killed in front of him. “The real mafias are here,” he said.
Still, Mohammed has built a life in Mexico, opened a Ghanaian house, and brought his wife over. He believes with patience and resilience, life in Mexico can be rewarding — even if America remains out of reach for many.
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