The Story of Man Togo: A Journey from Ghana to Germany
Ghanaian-born German-based Nana Otto Acheampong, popularly known as Man Togo, has lived in Germany for over four decades. His nickname, Togo, originated from a simple mistake in primary school when he wrote “To go” without spacing, and it stuck ever since.
He left Ghana on April 12, 1981, seeking better opportunities abroad. Before migrating, he was involved in Ghana’s music scene, working with legends like Dada Lumba and Nana Ampadu, accompanying them on tours in Germany.
Man Togo initially worked at a Shell petrol station but felt discouraged about his prospects. His manager helped him migrate abroad, where he explored various job opportunities, including shipping cars to Ghana. However, as costs increased, he could no longer afford to continue the business.
Man Togo recalls that traveling was easier in the past—once you bought a ticket, you could leave. It was in 1986 that he first heard of visa requirements. His journey took him through different European countries before he finally settled in Germany.
During his early days in Germany, he met a white woman who helped him with directions, and their friendship led to marriage. They had a child together, but as time passed, cultural and racial differences became more apparent, leading to divorce. He later remarried a Ghanaian woman, and they have been together ever since.
He also recalls how many immigrants, including himself, had to seek political asylum. Some of his peers later moved to Canada for better opportunities.
Man Togo shares his personal encounters with racism in Germany. When his first wife’s mother passed away, he was never informed or invited to the funeral, simply because he was Black. He has observed that many Germans do not like Black people, advising others to stay away if they sense rejection.
He also recalls how some Germans criticized Black people for spending too much time in church, believing that excessive religious devotion contributed to poverty. He emphasizes that while everyone needs God’s protection, pastors cannot heal illnesses—hospitals are there for treatment.
One of the biggest reasons he cannot return to Ghana is the poor healthcare system. He advises people to take care of their travel documents because life in Ghana is difficult.
In Europe, medical treatment is advanced—he shares his experience of being diagnosed with a serious condition, where he was sent to the operating theater within three days. Meanwhile, in Ghana, he was only given medication to drink.
His son, a dentist, considered working in Ghana but was discouraged after visiting Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Man Togo highlights how healthcare in Europe is far superior—even basic medical services like chemotherapy, which are unavailable in Ghana, are readily accessible abroad.
Man Togo believes that traveling opens the mind and that people who stay in one place often have a limited perspective. He acknowledges that life abroad has helped many people build homes—something that would have been difficult in Ghana.
Regarding immigration policies, he states that Trump’s deportation policies are not new—Germany has already been deporting immigrants, and many people are afraid of the government’s strict measures.
His advice to Ghanaians? Use your time wisely, learn useful skills, and take advantage of opportunities. Instead of relying solely on faith, he encourages people to seek knowledge and practical solutions to better their lives
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