Akosua Nhyira, a Ghanaian based in Northernham, UK, shared her story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami.
She revealed that she first left Ghana around 2001–2002, traveling to Austria before eventually settling in the UK. According to her, Austria felt nicer compared to the UK: “When I arrived, it felt like heaven. Seeing the trees reminded me of the ones back home in Ghana.”
Akosua began her journey abroad by styling her sister’s and friends’ hair. She lost her mother at a young age and often wishes her mother were alive to witness her progress. Today, she works as a skilled hairstylist, making up to three wigs a day. Interestingly, her children have also ventured into beauty-related fields—one does lash extensions while another, who works as a mental health nurse, also provides bridal makeup services.
Looking back, she recalls how her father had encouraged her to pursue fashion design after school. Instead, she chose to follow her friends into academics at Monica’s School, a decision she now regrets. “Skilled jobs are the way forward,” she said, stressing that many people prioritize university education over skill-based work, though the latter often provides more stability.
Akosua also spoke about the challenges of living abroad. She mentioned how bills in the UK have gone up while salaries remain the same. Raising children without extended family support has also been difficult. She met her husband over 20 years ago in Austria, where they had known each other since childhood.
On marriage, she emphasized humility and patience: “In marriage, sometimes you have to act like a fool to make it work. I don’t argue with my husband over money or the kids. I’ve never experienced this so-called 50/50 marriage—I just work.” She added that friends cannot break a marriage, but spiritual challenges can arise when one draws closer to God.
Although she lives comfortably in the UK, Akosua dreams of building and living in her own mansion back in Ghana. However, she noted that her stays in Ghana are usually brief—about two weeks—before returning abroad.
Her advice to others is not to make life decisions based on how people display love and affection publicly, as one never truly knows what happens behind closed doors. She also cautioned married women to be vigilant about side chicks in Ghana, claiming some use charms to lure men and destabilize marriages. According to her, men must also take responsibility for their actions: “If a man entertains two side chicks, he will eventually advise himself. Many men complain about their wives not respecting them or being intimate, but the truth is, marriage requires effort and wisdom.
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