Saeed Abdul Wahab’s Story: From Ghana’s Scrap Business to Life in Canada
Saeed Abdul Wahab, a resident of Montreal, Canada, recently shared his journey on the Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with host DJ Nyaami, the CEO and founder of SVTV Africa.
Saeed left Ghana in September 2023, but his story begins decades earlier in Magasim, where he built a successful scrap and iron rod business.
For 20 years, Saeed sold iron rods and scraps, materials used for constructing gates and barriers, in the Owuo Mpe Sika area.
His dedication and hard work allowed him to build two houses, marry two wives, and raise nine children.
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In addition, Saeed took on the responsibility of caring for two orphans.
Explaining his decision to marry two wives, Saeed shared that his first wife stood by him through tough times, and his second wife came into his life after he had achieved success.
“Islam permits up to four wives if you can be truthful, but managing two is already difficult,” he admitted. Despite the challenges, his business provided enough income to support his large family.
However, like many, Saeed dreamed of greener pastures abroad. Inspired by his brother, who had lived in Canada for five years, Saeed applied for a visa, initially intending to visit.
“When we heard about Canada, we thought it was heaven,” he recalled. But his brother warned him to weigh his options, as Saeed’s business in Ghana was thriving.
In September 2023, Saeed left Ghana and arrived in Canada.
Upon arrival, he sought asylum and was granted shelter and a work permit.
He began working in a warehouse and was impressed by how quickly he received his documents.
Despite this, Saeed soon realized that life in Canada was not as easy as he had imagined.
“Living in Canada is tough. Many people in Montreal are jobless, even those with legal documents,” he explained. Saeed recounted the struggles of a fellow traveler who arrived on the same day and has yet to secure employment. Seasonal layoffs and the language barrier make finding and keeping jobs even harder. “Even forklift operators struggle if they don’t speak French,” he noted.
Saeed expressed concern about leaving his children in Ghana.
“My kids are too young, and their mothers can’t control them alone. Some are boys, and they’re very stubborn,” he said.
Though he works hard, he admitted to lacking peace of mind, worrying about his family’s well-being.
Reflecting on his experiences, Saeed urged Ghanaians to value their country.
“The freedom we have there doesn’t exist in Canada,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of learning skilled trades, like mechanics or barbering, before migrating, as unskilled workers often face significant challenges abroad.
Saeed cautioned against traveling abroad without a clear plan, especially for older individuals.
“When I meet my age mates here, I cry. Some haven’t worked for five months,” he shared.
Many sell their properties to move to Canada, only to realize the reality doesn’t match their expectations.
Now, Saeed is planning to return to Ghana after the World Cup and regrets every seeking a sum to survive in Canada.
“Ghana is the best country in the world—you only realize its value after migrating,” he concluded.
Key Lessons from Saeed Abdul Wahab’s Story:
- Hard work in Ghana’s scrap business helped him build wealth and a family.
- The perception of Canada as a “heaven” doesn’t always match reality, especially for migrants.
- Language and skilled trades are crucial for success abroad.
- Ghana offers freedoms and opportunities that many only appreciate after leaving.
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