Philip Toku, a Ghanaian pursuing his PhD at Ohio University, USA, recently shared his inspiring journey on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami.
Philip studied Basic Education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and later worked as a teacher. During his National Service, he was posted to Goldfields, Tarkwa, but afterward, he was sent to Mumuni, a remote village in the Western Region, to teach.
Despite the challenges, he was determined to make a lasting impact on his students. He recalled a moment when he wanted to discipline a student for not completing an assignment, only to realize she had stained her dress due to menstruation. Knowing the financial struggles of the students, he took it upon himself to buy sanitary products for the girls.
Philip always aspired to pursue his master’s degree abroad. However, he faced three visa denials before eventually securing a scholarship. His father in the U.S. encouraged him to find a school, leading him to apply to East Tennessee State University, where he initially received partial funding in 2019.
Unfortunately, due to lack of interview preparation, he was denied a visa multiple times. He later applied to Ohio University, where he was awarded a full scholarship. A friend advised him to change his visa application location to Côte d’Ivoire, where he was finally granted approval after multiple attempts.
Upon arriving in America, Philip faced new challenges. His phone reset itself, causing him to lose all contacts. However, he quickly adapted, crediting his host, a U.S. military veteran, for guiding him.
He pursued a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration and is now enrolled in a PhD program. Despite the struggles, he acknowledges that the opportunities in the U.S. are life-changing, especially financially.
Philip compared his earnings in the U.S. to Ghana, revealing that the money he makes in two weeks surpasses what a commercial bank in Ghana makes in a year.
- Some people in the U.S. earn as little as $800 per month, but his job allows him to make $1,500 every two weeks.
- However, the cost of living is high. Education, childcare, and healthcare are the three most expensive things in America.
- Without a scholarship, tuition fees would cost him $3,500 every three months.
- Childcare costs can reach $1,000 per week for preschool.
- Health insurance is also a major financial burden.
Philip is married with a child and believes anyone planning to bring their family abroad should first secure proper documentation and a stable job. He advises against relocating a spouse without proper planning, as many Ghanaians struggle when they arrive without financial stability.
Despite the financial advantages of living abroad, Philip remains passionate about giving back to Ghana. He plans to return after completing his studies to help improve the education system. Even if he becomes a U.S. citizen, he emphasizes that his place of birth will always be Ghana.
Philip also pointed out some toxic behaviors among Ghanaians abroad, including lack of support and betrayal. He shared stories of Ghanaians helping others get jobs, only for the new employees to report and get them fired. He believes Ghanaians must learn to uplift each other rather than sabotage their own people.
Philip highlighted key lessons:
- “Say no to drugs” – He expressed disappointment that many of his former classmates in Ghana have ruined their lives due to drug abuse.
- Marriage should be a shared responsibility – In Ghana, women handle most household chores, while men focus on finances, but he believes both partners should contribute equally.
- Mindset shift is needed – He insists that education, discipline, and financial planning are key to success, whether in Ghana or abroad.
Philip’s journey from a rural village in Ghana to pursuing a PhD in the U.S. is a testament to perseverance and resilience. While the U.S. offers financial opportunities, he believes Ghana has great potential, especially if mindsets and structures improve. He urges young people to seize opportunities wisely and ensure that their journey abroad aligns with long-term goals.
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