Michael, a Ghanaian living in Chicago, Illinois, has shared his journey of struggle, perseverance, and eventual success in the United States.
Micheal in an interview with Dj Nyaami On Daily Hustle WorldWide (DHW) Show expressed concern over the treatment of immigrants in the U.S., noting that authorities have been focusing on deporting criminals and those who have overstayed their visas.
He also highlighted how economic complaints about immigrants are shaping policies. Michael referenced a Ghanaian who was arrested by ICE for sex crimes involving a minor, urging people to remain vigilant.
Born in Dormaa Ahenkro, Michael attended Dormaa Secondary School, completing his education in 2004. Coming from a poor background, he struggled to further his studies. He initially worked as a shoemaker and later traveled to Côte d’Ivoire with his mother’s friend, where he saved money by buying and selling maize.
With support from church elders and neighbors, he was able to return to school. Although he initially failed mathematics, he persisted, rewrote his exams, and eventually gained admission to the University for Development Studies (WA Campus).
In 2007, Michael won the American visa lottery. However, financial difficulties delayed his travel. His visa was close to expiring when he finally secured funds with the help of his uncle. He arrived in the U.S. in 2011, transiting through New York before settling in Washington State.
Adjusting to life in America was challenging. He struggled to find a job for three months, eventually moving to Columbus, where he learned to drive and secured work.
Within a month, he bought his first car. Despite suffering from ulcers due to work-related stress, he persevered and trained as a production line operator in a soap manufacturing company. Over three years, he learned various departments, and his skills became valuable in oil-related industries.
Michael’s father once advised him to marry a white woman, but after witnessing a friend’s difficult experience, he decided otherwise.
In 2012, he married a Ghanaian woman and has since visited Ghana eight times. His wife later joined him in the U.S. in 2018.
Michael believes in financial independence and has always wanted to start his own business. He regrets not starting Uber earlier and emphasizes that working for others does not lead to true prosperity. He hopes to return to Ghana and create job opportunities rather than just building a house and leaving it unoccupied.
He also highlights the challenges in Ghana’s agricultural sector, comparing it to large-scale mechanized farming in the U.S.
He once visited a farm where helicopters were used to water soybean fields, a stark contrast to the manual labor in Ghanaian farming.
Michael has researched renewable energy, particularly biogas, inspired by German projects that generate power for water supply.
He believes that affordable, accessible materials can be used for similar projects in Ghana.
Michael encourages Ghanaians abroad to think about home, as it is where they truly belong. However, he warns that returning to Ghana after living abroad can be challenging.
He also advises against sharing visions prematurely, as people often discourage dreamers.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about Ghana’s future. He is passionate about farming, especially after discovering that Ghana imported $269 million worth of apples in 2019.
He sees this as an opportunity for local production and aims to invest in agriculture upon his return.
Michael’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and determination to create a better future for himself and his home country.
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