Kofi Jaah, a Ghanaian expatriate, shares his journey from Kumasi to Canada and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
He was adopted by his uncle at a young age and moved to Canada at 16.
His uncle encouraged him to pursue skilled trades, which Kofi credits as one of the best decisions of his life.
He learned plumbing, a trade that ensured a steady stream of work and income.
Kofi believes that acquiring a skill is crucial, as it not only provides job opportunities but also lays the foundation for eventual independence.
Having lived in Toronto, Calgary, and now Edmonton, Kofi works for a company specializing in insurance restoration, and he emphasizes the importance of building a credit score in Canada.
A strong score (above 700) can help secure loans and create investment opportunities.
He also advises newcomers to be strategic with their finances and avoid sending large amounts of money back home, as it can hinder personal growth.
“Sacrifice for yourself first, then help others. If you send all your money home, when things go wrong here, who are you calling for help?” he questions.
Kofi reflects on the challenges of the Canadian job market, particularly the influence of AI in resume screening.
He notes that many job opportunities in Canada may not align with one’s skill set, and job seekers should consider apprenticeship positions to build relevant experience.
Despite the abundance of skilled job opportunities, Kofi is puzzled by the fixation on living in Toronto, given Canada’s vast size and opportunities elsewhere.
He also offers insight into the mindset of Ghanaians in the diaspora.
According to Kofi, while Ghanaians in Canada gather on Sundays to play league games, they miss opportunities to network and leverage the diverse community.
Kofi emphasizes the importance of befriending people from other nationalities, as they can offer valuable guidance and connections.
Lastly, Kofi speaks passionately about the resilience and potential of people from his home country.
While some may criticize Ghana’s challenges, Kofi notes that despite India’s struggles, it boasts some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
“You can come to Canada and struggle, but it’s the same everywhere. If you’re not looking to make money, don’t complain. Some people don’t sleep while others are busy playing games,” he says.
Kofi’s story serves as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of making strategic decisions in both personal finances and career development.
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