Metropolitan

'Aburokyire Abrabor: Ghanaian life abroad.' is a series featuring the stories of individuals who have travelled to foreign countries for the same purpose; the hope of a better life for themselves and their families. Some are stories of success, but others are not so lucky. Some are, in their words, ‘trapped’ abroad.

In part four, we hear how bitter sweet it has been for this Ghanaian son to come back home.

"I was born in Accra and received my early education there until the age of 7, when my family emigrated to London. Growing up in London, I continued my education and eventually pursued a career in finance, working for two different companies before venturing into entrepreneurship. I established my own property and mortgage brokerage firm, which marked a significant achievement for me."

"At the age of 34, after a brief visit back to Ghana, I made the decision to return permanently in 2017. Since coming back, I've embarked on various entrepreneurial endeavors. I founded a natural juice processing venture, which unfortunately faced challenges due to power crises in 2018 and issues with dishonest retailers who failed to pay."

"In response to these challenges, I shifted focus and began constructing apartments on my own land, which I then rented out. This decision has proven to be the most successful move since my return. Currently, I specialize in building and refurbishing properties on behalf of clients."

"While I do not regret my decision to return to Ghana, I have decided not to stay permanently. The business environment here lacks organization, and issues like the recent law prohibiting freehold land sales make it difficult to build a lasting legacy or generational wealth. Talent often goes unrecognized, and political connections seem to dictate success more than merit."

"My future plans involve relocating to the USA, where I see far more organized markets and a rule of law that supports genuine entrepreneurship. I have friends in Atlanta who are thriving in their businesses, and I believe the opportunities there far surpass those in the UK. In my experience, the business community in the USA, particularly among Black entrepreneurs, fosters a supportive network that is conducive to growth — something I found lacking among Ghanaians and Nigerians in the UK, where envy often masquerades behind a polished accent."

"Currently, I have a few remaining commitments in Ghana that will take about six months to resolve. Afterward, I intend to make the move to the USA, trusting in divine guidance for the next chapter of my life's journey."

by Karen Mcklaren

I was born in Accra and received my early education there until the age of 7, when my family immigrated to London. Growing up in London, I continued my education and eventually pursued a career in finance, working for two different companies before venturing into entrepreneurship. I established my own property and mortgage brokerage firm, which marked a significant achievement for me. At the age of 34, after a brief visit back to Ghana, I made the decision to return permanently in 2017. Since coming back, I've embarked on various entrepreneurial endeavors. I founded a natural juice processing venture, which unfortunately faced challenges due to power crises in 2018 and issues with dishonest retailers who failed to pay. In response to these challenges, I shifted focus and began constructing apartments on my own land, which I then rented out. This decision has proven to be the most successful move since my return. Currently, I specialize in building and refurbishing properties on behalf of clients. While I do not regret my decision to return to Ghana, I have decided not to stay permanently. The business environment here lacks organization, and issues like the recent law prohibiting freehold land sales make it difficult to build a lasting legacy or generational wealth. Talent often goes unrecognized, and political connections seem to dictate success more than merit. My future plans involve relocating to the USA, where I see far more organized markets and a rule of law that supports genuine entrepreneurship. I have friends in Atlanta who are thriving in their businesses, and I believe the opportunities there far surpass those in the UK. In my experience, the business community in the USA, particularly among Black entrepreneurs, fosters a supportive network that is conducive to growth — something I found lacking among Ghanaians and Nigerians in the UK, where envy often masquerades behind a polished accent. Currently, I have a few remaining commitments in Ghana that will take about six months to resolve. Afterwa