Maa Akos, a Ghanaian who previously lived in the United States for ten years, recently shared her reflections during an interview on SVTV Africa. She has now returned to Ghana and says the experience of living abroad completely changed her perspective about home.
According to her, many Black Americans who visit Ghana often do not want to return to the U.S. because of the sense of freedom and belonging they feel. “When they come and experience the freedom here, they don’t want to go back,” she said. However, she believes many Ghanaians do not fully appreciate what they have. While she acknowledges that America offers opportunities and structure, she insists that Ghana offers a different kind of freedom and peace. “If you give me a choice, I will choose both. America helped me a lot, but Ghana is home. When I come back, I feel free.”
Maa Akos explained that traveling abroad depends largely on mindset. In her view, many people leave Ghana with an old perception of the country and never update their understanding. Some who have lived abroad for 20 or 25 years still hold on to the image of Ghana as it was when they left. She shared the story of a Ghanaian man in Ohio who lived in America for 25 years without returning home. When he finally visited Ghana, he loved it so much that he began returning every six months.
She believes it is unfortunate when Ghanaians spend decades abroad only to end up in nursing homes. In her opinion, it is far better to plan properly and return home to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. She revealed that ten years ago, she sold her house in Ghana to finance her move to the United States. Looking back, she says traveling abroad requires focus and discipline. Earning good money abroad is not enough; one must have the vision to build something meaningful back home.
According to Maa Akos, some migrants misuse credit systems abroad, buying expensive cars and living beyond their means instead of investing wisely. She advises that people should avoid unnecessary debt and instead save and build in Ghana so they can return comfortably. “The future is today,” she said. “You don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
She also reflected on Ghanaian business figures like Osei Kwame Despite, noting that success is possible even without living abroad. To her, prosperity is about mindset, not just location.
Now back in Ghana, Maa Akos says she wants to enjoy life, reduce stress, and embrace the comfort of home. For her, returning is not a sign of failure but a deliberate choice. She encourages Ghanaians abroad to think long-term, manage their finances wisely, and decide intentionally whether to stay abroad or return home — but above all, to make that decision with the right mindset.the
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