Maabena, a Ghanaian based in the United Kingdom, shared her inspiring life story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami. She began by recalling her upbringing in Kumasi Asoase and her strong desire for education. After secondary school, she bought forms for both KNUST and the University of Ghana and was accepted into both institutions, eventually choosing to study at Legon in 2001.
After completing university, a woman she refers to as “Lady” encouraged her to try traveling abroad since she was a graduate. Her first attempt at securing a visa failed, but on her second attempt she received a two-year multiple-entry visa. She travelled to the United States for three months, returned to Ghana, and became what many would call a “borga.” Just before she completed school, her two-year King Visa arrived. After returning from the U.S., she applied for a UK visa, received it, and moved to the UK in 2003. By 2005 she had fully settled there, though she continued to visit the U.S. for holidays.
She explained that although she enjoyed America—staying with an aunt in Maryland—she realised the lifestyle there was not suited to her. She felt people worked double shifts even with many children to care for, whereas in the UK she noticed that families had more time for their kids. As a family-oriented person, this made her choose the UK over the U.S.
Starting life in the UK was not easy. She used her own strength and determination to find work, beginning at Tesco as a checkout staff while finalising her documents. She eventually gained her nkrataa (legal status). She gave birth to her first child in 2006, continued working just four months postpartum, and later got married. She and her husband had known each other since their days at Legon. Today, she is a mother of four.
Maabena furthered her education in the UK, completed her master’s degree, and secured a job at the council. She also spoke about the mindset of many Ghanaians abroad. According to her, once some people receive their documents, they rush to buy houses and cars, which later becomes a heavy financial burden as they struggle to pay back mortgages. She added that some people also manipulate the council housing system by pretending to be single parents to qualify for accommodation.
She observed that in some families, when a woman earns more than her husband, attitudes change, causing tension at home. Many people remain in such marriages silently because they want the best for their children. Despite these challenges, Maabena is proud of what she has built—she has purchased two houses in the UK and continues to work hard for her family.
Her story reflects resilience, determination, and the realities many immigrants face while trying to create a better life abroad.
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