Josephine Manu, a Ghanaian based in Germany, has shared her life journey and experiences abroad during an appearance on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. In 2025, she marked a major milestone by celebrating her 50th birthday with a grand party held at a large event hall, describing it as a moment of gratitude and reflection.
Josephine was born in Germany but spent her early years growing up in Ghana. She lived in Asafo and Atonsu and later moved to Tema before returning to Germany at the age of 14. She first traveled back to Germany in 1988 to continue her education. After school, she pursued professional training and worked in several institutions over the years. She eventually specialized in healthcare and currently works in hematology, specifically in the cancer unit. She completed her professional training in 1996 after three years of schooling.
Reflecting on life in Germany, Josephine noted that although the system provides opportunities and structure, acceptance is still a challenge. According to her, migrants may receive support, but full social acceptance often remains out of reach. She encouraged Ghanaians abroad not to distance themselves from the Ghanaian community, stressing that community support becomes crucial during difficult times.
On her personal life, Josephine revealed that she was first married to a Ghanaian for 29 years, but the marriage ended after he chose another woman. She later remarried and has been with her current husband for 19 years. She is a mother of four children and comes from a family of five siblings. She explained that raising children abroad comes with its own difficulties, especially concerns about their safety and social environment.
Josephine spoke about the financial realities of living in Europe. She advised Ghanaians abroad to develop side hustles in addition to their regular jobs, noting that relying solely on salaries or social benefits can be risky. She observed that many elderly Europeans are neglected by their families, which is why some older migrants eventually return to Ghana, where social life and community interactions are stronger.
She revealed that housing costs in Germany are very high, and although some people receive about 1,500 euros in social support, it is often not enough to cover rent and living expenses. Josephine shared that she and her family have built a comfortable house, but many people abroad live uncomfortably because they are investing heavily in building homes back in Ghana.
Looking ahead, Josephine said she plans to return to Ghana in about 10 years, even though she still has 17 years left before retirement. She disclosed that when she eventually settles in Ghana, she expects to receive a monthly pension of about 2,000 euros from Germany. Despite having children, she emphasized that she does not depend on them or on social welfare, choosing instead to work hard and remain independent.
Josephine concluded by encouraging Ghanaians abroad to plan wisely for the future, avoid overreliance on social benefits, and remain productive. According to her, securing a stable livelihood—whether abroad or at home—is essential, especially considering that retirement age in Germany is 67. She urged migrants to build sustainable lives, stay connected to community, and make long-term plans that will allow them to live comfortably in the years ahead.
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