Ghanaian Plumber Azembe Alel Shares His Hardships Abroad and Lessons Learned
Azembe Alel, a Ghanaian plumber based in Ghana, shared his journey and experiences on SVTV Africa’s Matter Dey with DJ Nyaami, shedding light on the realities of trying to migrate abroad without proper planning.
Azembe revealed that he initially wanted to travel to America and was told there was a ship from Senegal. He embarked on a journey that took him through Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal, hoping to reach his destination. However, he quickly discovered that opportunities were scarce, and he eventually moved to Mauritania, where work was also hard to find.
“My money ran out in Mauritania, and I stayed there for a long time,” Azembe said. “I worked at an Italian university in Mauritania, but the pay was very small. A friend helped me with $100, which I used to return to Ghana.”
He also shared challenges he faced upon returning home. Before traveling, he had rented out his room to his brother, planning to stay with him temporarily until he could afford his own place. But upon return, his brother asked him to leave, adding to the difficulties he faced. In total, Azembe spent $1,500 on his trip, only to find the ship route to America did not work as promised.
Reflecting on his travels, Azembe realized that Ghana was better than most of the countries he passed through in West Africa, and he acknowledged the importance of skills. “Ghana is hard, but those with skills are making money. Those without are the ones complaining,” he said.
Since his return, Azembe has worked hard as a plumber, currently working on four houses. He explained his earnings:
“We can complete one house in a day, and I charge GHC 2,000 per house, which means I can make GHC 1,000 a day.” He has also built his own house and is supporting his family. Azembe is married with a child and continues to mentor Ghanaians he met abroad, including helping some in Mauritania with transportation back to Ghana.
Azembe’s story is a reminder of the risks of unplanned migration and the value of acquiring practical skills. His experiences show that with persistence and a skill set, one can thrive in Ghana, even after facing challenges abroad.
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