ODEHYIEBA: REALITY CHECK FOR GHANAIANS ABOUT LIFE ABROAD
Odehyieba, a returning guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami, shared insights on the realities of living abroad and the misconceptions surrounding migration.
He began by emphasizing the importance of making independent decisions and not relying on others’ strategies.
According to him, Ghanaians often romanticize life abroad, creating false hope for those at home.
He urges people to focus on building their lives in Ghana rather than assuming wealth is guaranteed overseas.
Odehyieba explained that many Ghanaians abroad struggle despite the illusion of success they portray on social media.
He shared a personal story about a family member who paid GHS 320,000 for a 2-week U.S. visa.
Now, she is struggling to make ends meet while doing under-the-table jobs due to a lack of proper documentation.
He revealed, “It will take her 2-3 years to recover that money.”
He emphasized the high cost of living abroad, saying,
“Don’t compare $1,000 in the U.S. to GHS 1,000 in Ghana. Life abroad is expensive.”
He added that many who sell their properties to fund their migration end up struggling for years before restarting their projects back home.
Odehyieba criticized the system abroad for draining individuals, making them work tirelessly to sustain themselves and pay taxes.
He said, “The system will waste you and work you until retirement. After 60 years, you’ll face depression and have no choice but to return to Ghana.”
He noted that even with a green card, individuals are bound by the system, and academic qualifications alone cannot guarantee success.
He urged people to stop spreading the false belief that life in America or Europe is easy, stating,
“If you don’t have a visa, learn a skilled job and make money in Ghana. Many abroad wish they could work independently, but they are stuck chasing hours.”
Odehyieba also touched on the global competition between America and China, highlighting TikTok’s growing influence in the e-commerce and advertising space.
He explained that TikTok’s algorithm is seen as a threat to platforms like Amazon, leading to discussions about banning the app in the U.S.
He linked this to broader geopolitical issues, noting that America views China’s technological advancements, including TikTok, as a challenge to its dominance.
He mentioned that former U.S. President Biden had previously tried to ban the app but was stopped by the Supreme Court and President Donald Trump.
Odehyieba urged Ghanaians to reevaluate their desire to migrate, emphasizing the importance of hard work and skill acquisition at home.
He said, “Stop confusing people through currency differences. Someone earning GHS 1,000 in Ghana can live a better life than someone earning $1,000 abroad.”
He added that children raised abroad often lose touch with Ghanaian values and culture, leading some parents to send their kids back home for moral and cultural education.
He highlighted Ghana’s potential, noting that good schools and opportunities exist for those willing to explore them.
Odehyieba concluded with a powerful message: “The system abroad will drain you until you’re left with nothing. Instead of selling everything to travel, use that money to start a business in Ghana. After years abroad, most people realize home is where true peace and fulfillment lie.”
His advice serves as a wake-up call for those contemplating migration, reminding them that success requires planning, hard work, and a realistic understanding of life both at home and abroad.