Oforiwaa Amanfo: A Journey from Ghana to the U.S. and Back to Business
Madam Oforiwaa Amanfo, host of the Oforiwaa Amanfo Show, is currently based in Woodbridge, Virginia, USA, a place with a large Ghanaian community. Having lived in the U.S. for six years, she shared her experiences in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show.
Before moving to the U.S., Oforiwaa Amanfo was based in Ashaiman, Ghana, where she worked in procurement management at a polyclinic. She was brought abroad by her father, believing there was something better overseas. However, looking back, she admits that if she had known what she knows now, she wouldn’t have traveled.
After completing polytechnic, she engaged in multiple businesses, including grocery sales, oil trading, and clothing imports from Togo, while still working as a procurement manager. She always had multiple sources of income and was never dependent on one job.
Three days before moving to the U.S., she contacted her aunt, who promised to find her a job immediately. Initially, she stayed in Massachusetts but later moved to Virginia after a friend offered her accommodation. Her initial plan was to pursue a PhD, as she had already obtained a Master’s degree in Ghana. However, she had to abandon her studies and start looking for jobs.
In Ghana, she was well-respected and treated well in her profession. But upon arriving in the U.S., she had to start from scratch, working at Popeyes and washing dishes. At times, she wished she could walk back to Ghana, realizing that life abroad is not as glamorous as many believe.
Despite the challenges, she does not regret her decision. Being a hustler in Ghana, she continued hustling in America, acknowledging that abroad is not for lazy people. She firmly believes that there is money in Ghana and that anyone with a problem-solving mindset can succeed.
Oforiwaa realized that academic titles like a PhD wouldn’t guarantee success. Instead of earning a doctorate, she asked her father whether he would prefer her to be called “Doctor” or become a successful businesswoman. That question made her redirect her focus to entrepreneurship.
She emphasized that if Ghanaians had access to the right information, many would return home and thrive. After living abroad for six years, she has only visited Ghana once. She completed her immigration paperwork, searched for jobs, but was not satisfied with the roles available.
Determined to take control of her future, she started her own business. Initially, she sold condensed milk and toffees, inspired by Obeng Darko’s teachings. With just $3, she started small but had big ambitions, including opening a home care business. However, she had to pause that venture due to permit issues and restrictions from her landlord.
Instead, she launched a cleaning company, which she runs independently. She strongly believes that Ghana offers better business opportunities than the U.S. and has given herself five years to return and fully establish herself there.
Oforiwaa believes that many Ghanaians abroad look down on those living in Ghana, forgetting that they also came from the same place. She argues that even with a million dollars, if you don’t invest wisely in Ghana, you will find yourself back in the U.S.
She also criticizes the lack of respect for Africans in Western countries, stating that there is no promising future for African children in the U.S.. Many young people end up smoking weed due to the environment, while in Ghana, children are more disciplined and motivated. She regrets that many Ghanaian parents raise their kids abroad and later regret it.
According to her, very few Ghanaian migrants become doctors and lawyers—most are engaged in menial jobs. However, those who manage to work alongside white employers get paid well. She has made progress within six yearsand believes that with ten more years, she will continue improving. But for now, she sees life abroad as mental slavery, making many people unhappy.
Oforiwaa Amanfo is actively involved in manufacturing and trading in Ghana, producing rock soap, powder soap, and liquid soap—products that are in high demand. She also runs a hardware business in the Samba area.
Although she faced disappointments in business partnerships, she eventually met the right people and continued her entrepreneurial journey. She insists that Ghanaians are not poor—it is simply a lack of the right information and resources that holds them back.
Through her Oforiwaa Amanfo Show on social media, she shares her experiences and educates Ghanaians about business opportunities and life abroad. With her strong mindset and determination, she continues to work towards building a successful business empire in Ghana while preparing for her return.
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