Kwame China Man – Life in the UK vs Ghana
Kwame, popularly known as China Man, is a Ghanaian currently based in the UK. He shared his frustrations about life abroad and why he’s considering returning to Ghana.
Kwame explained that he came to the UK through a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). Before leaving Ghana, he sold his cars and other belongings to pay for the visa and ticket — spending around ₵35,000 and $5,000 in the process. Back home, he lived comfortably, driving private cars and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms.
In the UK, however, things have not turned out as expected. He tried to regularize his stay by seeking marriage documents but was scammed in the process. A man charged him £18,000 and, although Kwame paid £5,000, the man failed to deliver, claiming he had financial struggles and three children to take care of. Kwame has been demanding a refund but has not been successful.
Comparing life in Ghana to the UK, Kwame expressed disappointment. “The lifestyle we saw in pictures about the UK is not what I met here. The cost of living is too high. The government allows 48 working hours per week, but most Ghanaians do 80 to 100 hours just to survive — and it’s not healthy. You work so much, but the money goes back into bills and taxes,” he said.
Kwame revealed that before traveling, he was driving Abossey Okai “macho” trucks and also had private cars. His friends who stayed behind and continued that business are now thriving. “One of my friends who drives mini-trucks has two private cars, married two wives, owns a house, and is even building another. I started driving before him, but in three years abroad, he has achieved more than me,” he lamented.
He admitted that he regrets leaving Ghana. “If I had stayed and continued the Abossey Okai business, I would have made more money. Abroad, you waste years working and paying bills. There’s no real life here,” he said.
Kwame came to the UK with his girlfriend, who also found a caregiver job. She has since switched to another role and is trying to settle. Kwame, however, feels Ghana might be the better option. “Unless I get indefinite stay here, my plan is to return to Ghana. All I need is my driving skill — that alone can give me a good living back home,” he added.
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