Agbo, a Ghanaian migrant currently based in Mexico, shared his harrowing experience on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
According to Agbo, he and 50 other Ghanaians embarked on a dangerous journey from Ghana to the U.S. through Colombia, Panama, and Mexico. Along the way, they encountered numerous obstacles, including deceitful agents, robbers, and life-threatening conditions.
Agbo recounted how an agent named Razack scammed them.
“We needed an agent to help us cross into America, and someone gave us Razack’s number. He charged us $3,500 per person to take us from Tapachula to Mexico City. To afford the fee, I sold my house and other properties in Ghana, believing I could rebuild in the U.S. However, after we paid him, he disappeared. We waited in Tapachula for a week, but he never showed up.”
Razack later resurfaced, promising to move them to the next location. He took them across a large body of water to Vadagara in Mexico City.
“There, we met another agent who told us he could only move one person at a time. When we confronted Razack, he said the charges were too high. Eventually, he demanded an extra $500 per person, claiming he was paying mafia agents to assist us. However, the agents never came, and Razack stopped answering our calls.”
The journey was treacherous, with encounters that left Agbo traumatized.
“We were attacked by six armed robbers who stole phones, bags, and money. Some travelers had their legs slashed. We also saw dead bodies along the way, including a Ghanaian woman who tried to take her own life by cutting her leg. Due to excessive bleeding, we took her to a hospital in Panama before continuing our journey.”
Despite these dangers, only five out of 5 people in Agbo’s group successfully entered the U.S.
“They paid another agent, who smuggled them across the border. If we had more money, we would have also made it,” he lamented.
After being stranded in Mexico, Agbo sought asylum. However, life has been difficult.
“I spent seven years building my house in Ghana, but now, I’m struggling to earn back what I lost. I work at a restaurant, earning just $100 per week for long hours—starting at 4 AM and working from 6 AM to 7 PM. Without legal documents, it’s tough to make money. My skills as an auto mechanic are useless here because of the language barrier. Once I get my documents, I’ll look for better opportunities.”
Agbo and some of his fellow travelers have now set their sights on obtaining Mexican passports, which offer visa-free access to Canada, Germany, and France.
“If things don’t change, we might consider traveling to one of these countries.”
Despite everything, Agbo remains determined to reach America.
“It’s the only country I want to go to because skilled workers can earn a good living there.”
Agbo, who is unmarried but has a child, regrets that his journey has kept him away from his family.
“I left Ghana five months ago, just after my child was born. My child doesn’t even know me yet. It will take years before I can see my child, but I believe I’m doing this for a better future.”
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