David Trigga, a Ghanaian currently based in Hamburg, Germany, has opened up about his journey abroad and the realities of life in Europe, stressing that travelling overseas is not as easy as many people believe.
Before relocating, David was running a printing press business in Newtown, Accra, which he said was doing well. Alongside the printing business, he also worked part-time as an Uber driver using his own car. He spent about five years in the printing business, first working with another person before starting his own operation.
David explained that he initially joined the printing press as a driver, earning about GHS 600, without any intention of learning the trade. Over time, however, he gained experience and later established his own printing press, which became his main source of income.
His journey abroad was far from smooth. According to him, his uncle wanted to help him travel, so he first applied for a Hungary visa, which was refused. Later, a man known as Amekens assisted him with documentation, but his papers were delayed for about three months. Concerned, David emailed the embassy himself, only to be invited, arrested, and accused of using forged documents. He was handed over to immigration officers and sent to the airport.
David insists he never forged any documents. After conducting further research, he reapplied for a visa in 2019, but was again denied on the grounds that the funds in his bank account were insufficient. Despite the setbacks, he continued running his printing business in Ghana.
Still determined, David tried other connections and paid about GHS 3,000, along with additional expenses, in an effort to travel. Eventually, during the period of the 2024 Olympics, he managed to travel to France, after which he later moved to Germany. He admitted that pressure from home contributed to his determination to leave Ghana.
Reflecting on his experience, David said, “Abrokyire is not for the weak.” While life abroad can be good, he noted that hard work is unavoidable. With the help of his uncle, he secured a job, explaining that some jobs abroad involve washing as many as 1,000 plates a day.
David added that when he arrived, his uncle advised him to stay disciplined and avoid trouble. Despite being abroad, he still controls and manages his printing press business in Ghana, which is now run by his junior brother. He handles client communication and forwards jobs to Ghana for execution.
Describing life abroad, David remarked, “Abrokyire can feel like a prison, but many people don’t know this.” Although printing remains his main skill, he said he has many plans to learn new trades and explore new business opportunities in Germany.
He advised Ghanaians who wish to travel abroad to be careful with their routes, warning against using countries like Serbia and Russia, which he described as difficult entry points. According to him, anyone planning to travel to Europe should learn the language of their destination country.
David concluded by encouraging Ghanaians to prepare well before travelling, emphasizing that while Europe offers opportunities, success depends on discipline, resilience, and hard work.
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