From Kasoa to China, Amsterdam, and Now America — Frankie Shares His Unbelievable Journey on SVTV Africa
Frankie, a Ghanaian who recently relocated to the United States from the Netherlands, has shared his powerful life journey on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. His story spans four countries — Ghana, China, Holland, and now America.
Frankie left Ghana in 2019, but his journey began long before that.
Born in Techiman, he grew up in a comfortable home because his father was financially stable. He attended Prince Boateng Boarding School in Nsawam, before the family later moved to Kasoa. He completed JSS in Kasoa, continued to St. Peter’s SHS, and later studied at KNUST from 2011 to 2015.
After national service, he struggled to secure employment. In 2016–2017, he taught science in his former school. Later, he heard about a job opportunity promising a salary of GH₵1,200 after training. He received an employment letter and joined hundreds of young people doing menial preparatory duties at GIMPA — sweeping floors daily while waiting for their promised posting.
“For two weeks we swept the whole campus. They said they would call us… but they never did,” he recalled.
He tried another job opportunity, and the same thing happened. Watching friends succeed while he struggled pushed him into deep frustration.
During this period, many of his friends were talking about opportunities in China. Inspired to try something new, Frankie applied for scholarships. At first, he was told he wasn’t selected, so he gave up. Later, he discovered he had actually received a fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship. With help from a man he used to tutor, he bought a ticket and moved to China.
Life in China started well, but COVID-19 changed everything. After one semester, classes moved online. Although the government continued to pay their stipends, life became difficult. He also had three close friends — but not all had good intentions. One of them discouraged him from applying for a PhD, yet secretly applied for it himself.
“I later found out he got his PhD and even wished we would all return to Ghana while he remained in China,” Frankie revealed.
After school, Frankie worked briefly as a Microsoft advisor in China. Then he applied for an orientation program in the Netherlands, paid €350, and after a four-month wait, received his visa and moved to Holland.
He worked in the Netherlands for about 2–3 years. During that time, he met and married his wife, who lived in the United States. They first met during his years in China, and she even visited him in Holland. His first visa attempt to visit her in Amsterdam was denied, so she eventually filed for him to join her in America.
While processing his relocation, tragedy struck — his father passed away. Frankie had no choice but to leave for America before the funeral.
Today, he is settled in the US and taking online courses. He admits that at a point he loved Amsterdam more than any other country, but marriage and family responsibilities required him to move.
Growing up, Frankie dreamed of becoming a pharmacist, but he says the Ghanaian system discouraged many people with such ambitions:
“Even if you have the passion, Ghana can make you feel like it’s impossible.”
Reflecting on everything he has been through — the disappointments, betrayals, relocations, opportunities, and growth — Frankie believes one thing strongly:
“Your circle is very important. The people around you can push you forward or hold you back.”
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