Naa Amaley Berry is a Ghanaian based in Ontario, Canada, where she has lived for one and a half years. In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide, she shared her journey of education, migration, loneliness, and adaptation to life abroad.
Back in Ghana, Naa Amaley earned two Master’s degrees—one in Secretarial Management and another in Human Resources Management. Despite her impressive academic background, life was difficult, and she struggled to find a job. At the time, she was helping her mother manage a clothing sales and knitting business.
“I grew up understanding that some courses do not get you a job instantly,” she explained.
Determined to work in an office environment, she chose to specialize in secretariat and human resources, where she learned customer relations and professional conduct. Although she was expected to learn dressmaking or bread baking—skills her mother practiced—she admitted that she never had the motivation to learn those trades. “Sometimes after university, we feel we are too big to learn a trade,” she reflected.
Her journey to Canada began through a WhatsApp group, where she searched for schools. Some members helped her, but she admitted she did not personally handle all parts of the application process. With limited funds, she specifically looked for a fully funded school, as that was her only option.
She described the admission process as very tricky, noting that guidance is crucial. “You can watch all the videos online, but without proper guidance, you won’t get admission,” she said. The group supported her mainly because they saw her focus and determination.
Eventually, she gained admission and traveled to Canada. The transition, however, was emotionally challenging. “The first week, I cried because I couldn’t integrate into the system. I kept getting confused,” she revealed.
She arrived as a student, so she focused strictly on attending school to avoid trouble. Currently, she depends on student loans and receives food support from food banks, as students find it difficult to secure jobs. She prefers privacy and chose not to live in a shared apartment.
Education in Canada felt very different from Ghana. “Learning here is research-based, and AI now helps us with assignments,” she added.
Reflecting on migration, Naa Amaley advised people not to rush. “If you sell your properties and come, give yourself at least five years to know whether you made the right decision,” she said.
Socially, she found support through the Anglican Church, where she connected with a family that regularly checks on her. While Ghanaians often organize social programs, she admitted she goes out less in Canada and prefers a quiet lifestyle.
On relationships, she shared that since arriving in Canada, two men have approached her, but dating is still difficult. She has been single for three years and is “ready to mingle,” joking that the cold weather makes loneliness harder. She noted that this is why many men marry in Ghana and bring their wives abroad quickly.
Naa Amaley revealed that she does not currently have a boyfriend. Despite missing Ghana, she does not plan to return immediately after school. “I have invested a huge amount of money, and I need to recover it and make some gains,” she explained.
She concluded by encouraging young people to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially before migrating.
Social media handles: Naa Amarley Oley
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