Adwoa Ba Qwadjo is a Ghanaian living in Chicago, United States, and has been abroad for less than seven years. He appeared on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, where he shared his remarkable journey from the streets of Ghana to building a stable life in America.
Before traveling abroad, Qwadjo worked as a contractor with ECG and operated around Makola.
“Life in Ghana was okay, but success depends on who you know,” he said. “Sometimes, you do the work, pay your laborers, but the government still owes you.”
He explained that despite being comfortable, the system frustrated him, so he took a bold step. “I went to Eswatini to obtain my U.S. visa and later returned to Ghana for over a year and a half before finally moving to America. I told myself if it doesn’t work, I’ll come back home — but when I got here, things turned out great.”
When he first arrived, Qwadjo didn’t know anyone in the U.S., but his honesty opened doors for him.
“I worked for a man and told him I had a visa. He came to pick me up at the airport in a Tesla and helped me integrate into the system. That’s how I started building my life here.”
He believes that learning and researching are key to progress abroad. “If you don’t learn, you’ll never hear about the good jobs or opportunities. In Ghana, people fear teaching others because they don’t want you to become better than them — but abroad, knowledge is everything.”
Sharing his humble beginnings, he said:
“I grew up without mother and father’s love. I had two mothers — the one who gave birth to me and the one who raised me. I grew up on the streets, and I thank God I didn’t become a junkie. I found my path, and now I take care of the people who took care of me. I still pay homage.”
Qwadjo also advised Africans to plan properly before having children. “I’ve never seen a white man give birth to eight kids. You must have enough funds before you give birth. If there were a law limiting people to three children, people would think twice.”
He praised the discipline abroad, saying, “Here in America, even without police around, everyone obeys traffic rules. It’s about mindset.
Despite challenges, Qwadjo says life abroad is worth it.
“Don’t let anyone discourage you from traveling. Abrokyire is good. I’m married to my work. When I get free time, I relax and enjoy myself. In Ghana, I wished I could chill like this. I don’t put pressure on myself anymore — I just work hard and get paid.”
He ended with a strong message:
“Money is important, but peace of mind is better. I won’t kill myself for anyone. I came from the streets, and today I’m living a life I once prayed for.”
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