Bernard Adomako Mensah: Ghanaian Living in South Korea Shares Insights on Challenges and Opportunities Abroad
Bernard Adomako Mensah, a Ghanaian living in South Korea, was recently a guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami. In his interview, Bernard shared his experiences of living in Pyeongtaek, a city near a military base, since he moved to South Korea in 2017. He highlighted the challenges of obtaining citizenship and navigating life as a foreigner in a new country.
Bernard grew up in Kumasi, where he attended Kumasi Technical Institute and Kumasi Polytechnic. As he was finishing his last exams, his visa to South Korea was ready. His brother-in-law, who lived in the USA, invited him to come over. Bernard’s sister and her two kids were already living in South Korea by 2011, and before Bernard arrived, his brother-in-law would send used cars from the U.S. to sell in Ghana, and the proceeds would either be sent back to him or used for other purposes. After Bernard’s brother-in-law returned to Ghana in 2018, Bernard continued in the car business, selling cars and doing related deliveries.
Despite the challenges, Bernard noted that life in South Korea has been relatively smooth for him, especially because of the guidance he received from his brother-in-law. The language barrier was one of the initial challenges, but Bernard learned that there are plenty of job opportunities, depending on the work you do. He explained that while jobs may not be hard, the pressure of working quickly can make them more difficult. He emphasized that hard work is essential to survive, especially in a place like South Korea, where lazy people cannot succeed. He also noted that if someone struggles in Ghana, they will likely struggle anywhere else.
Bernard believes that if you can succeed in Ghana, you can succeed anywhere. However, the high cost of living and the duty at home can present challenges. He continues to be involved in the car business and is also involved in delivery services, helping people with parts and transporting them around South Korea.
He also shared his frustrations with the lack of research some people do before deciding to migrate. Bernard has stopped advising people to travel abroad unless they have done their research. He explained that when people ask him to help them come to South Korea, he tells them that he doesn’t have any connections unless it’s related to education or business. He added that it’s important to know the visa requirements and do thorough research to avoid unnecessary struggles.
One key issue Bernard raised was the difference between the educational system in Ghana and the realities of the job market. He pointed out that many people look at university degrees as the ultimate path to success but often overlook the fact that some business owners, like those running small eateries or shops, are making more money than salaried workers. Bernard believes that the Ghanaian youth should shift their mindset and realize that there are different ways to succeed without solely relying on traditional education.
He praised Mr. Obeng Darko for doing a great job in changing mindsets through shared stories on SVTV Africa. Bernard stressed that having the right information is crucial for success, especially when living abroad. Many Ghanaians struggle abroad because they lack the necessary information and resources.
Bernard is also involved in a business venture in Ghana, partnering with friends to venture into cassava farming and producing cassava flour. He encouraged others to consider small-scale businesses before seeking large capital, stressing that it’s better to start small and grow gradually rather than relying on large sums of money.
Reflecting on a story about a man who sent 200,000 GHC to move his family from Ghana to the UK, Bernard highlighted that sometimes people waste money abroad without gaining the necessary business experience. He advised against blindly taking large sums of money to Ghana without the proper knowledge, as it could lead to financial loss.
Bernard also emphasized that some people abroad mistakenly think that businesses in Ghana are thriving just because they hear success stories. He encouraged people to research before investing money and not fall for promises of easy success. Lastly, he stressed the importance of consuming educational content rather than wasting time on irrelevant content, as the right information is essential for making sound decisions and succeeding in life.
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