Nana Kwame: Ghanaian Electrician Making Strides in the USA
Nana Kwame, a Ghanaian based in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, has been living abroad for nearly four years. Before moving to the U.S., he lived in Accra, Ghana, staying with his uncle in Maamobi. He attended Emit Electronics Institute, where he studied electrical engineering, and later worked at Aspogri Power Company Limited in Kpone, Tema, for two years. After gaining experience, he started his own business in Tema as a refrigeration and air-conditioning technician.
Reflecting on his time in Ghana, Nana Kwame admits it wasn’t easy as a young man trying to find work. While he enjoyed his job, the salary was low, which pushed him to start his own company. He secured contracts with Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly and other clients for air-conditioning installations and repairs. At one point, he managed a team of 35 technicians and received numerous jobs in Tema and Accra. However, his family in the U.S. encouraged him to relocate, so he eventually closed his business and moved abroad.
Speaking in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide, Nana Kwame recalled his first time in America, where he knew very little about life there. He initially worked in a group home before deciding to pursue his profession as an electrician. After passing an interview and a practical assessment, he underwent a two-week training program and earned his certification. Since then, he has been working full-time in the electrical field.
His experience in Ghana gave him a solid foundation in handling heating and cooling systems. In winter, he installs systems that bring heat inside, while in summer, he ensures cool air circulates indoors. He specializes in residential HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), particularly heat pumps. The job is financially rewarding, with apprentices earning at least $30 per hour, while skilled electricians make between $60 and $65 per hour.
Currently, he works for Brune, a company that handles large electrical projects. He shared that in one year, the company made $1.5 million from installations alone. However, he noted that few Black people work in his field, encouraging more Ghanaians to pursue electrical jobs since there’s high demand. He emphasized that in the U.S., skilled labor such as plumbing, welding, hairdressing, and electrical work can provide stable income.
Nana Kwame advises young Ghanaians to consider learning a skilled trade, even if they have a university degree, as it provides financial security. He also warned that living in America depends on personal choices—some people succeed, while others struggle and can’t even afford a ticket back to Ghana. He strongly encourages the youth to acquire a skill as a backup because skilled jobs pay well and guarantee employment opportunities.
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