Why is the African Diaspora moving to Ghana?
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By now, those of you familiar with my content would have probably noticed that representation is a topic that’s close to my heart. Having grown up in the ’90s in the suburbs of Paris, there wasn’t so much representation in the media at the time, let alone on French TV. Until the age of 16, I was the only black girl in my class which felt like quite a burden for someone who just wanted to fit in.
It wasn’t until I moved to London in 2010 that I started to discover new and relatable role models. First on YouTube, then in the media and in my everyday life. One of them being Vanessa, Vanessa and I first bonded over our love of reading. Over time we realised that despite being born in two different countries (her in the UK) as two dark-skinned black girls raised in Europe we had very similar experiences.
Despite so many other young women like us in Europe, we both felt that our voices, our stories and our journey were still not being represented enough. Let alone the story of young Black British-born entrepreneurs moving to Africa to seek a better future. This is what inspired me to share her story so that just like she did with me, it could inspire and empower many other black girls yearning for positive representation.
Tell us a bit about you, where did you grow up?
Vanessa: I’m a 28-year-old creative entrepreneur from London that recently relocated to Accra, Ghana. I was born and raised in Brixton, south London to Ghanaian parents. I have some really fond memories of Brixton in the 90s. It was vibrant, lively and there was always something interesting happening. From an early age, I had a chance to experience loads of different cultures, which led to my interest in travel.
What made you decide to move to Ghana?
“One of the things that I loved about Ghana was how refreshing it was to just ‘be’. ”
Vanessa: In 2012, I visited Ghana for the first time as an adult. When I think back to that trip, I remember feeling a huge sense of belonging. Growing up in London as a black person, there were constant reminders that you’re from somewhere else. I always knew that although it’s where I grew up, I was still part of a ‘minority’ and was never really considered to be ‘truly’ British.
One of the things that I loved about Ghana was how refreshing it was to just ‘be’. There was no need to be like anyone else to fit in or to be anything other than what I am. From my travels there, I realised that living in London, or the West rather, was not the end all be all. I think coming here during my teens had a really positive impact on my mentality and helped me to see myself as part of something bigger. It also taught me that it was 100% possible to live and thrive in an environment different from what I was used to.
Honestly, London’s busy environment just didn’t fit my personality. Life there is really fast-paced and can be stressful. After university, I worked for three years in a job I absolutely hated. One day, I had a heart to heart with myself and realised that I wasn’t well suited to the hustle. There’s also a sense of immediacy in London that was having a negative impact on my mental health. Once I thought about what I truly wanted out of life, I accepted that London probably wouldn’t provide me with it and made the decision to move.
How familiar were you with Ghana before moving there?
Vanessa: I grew up knowing that my roots were in Ghana. Ghanaian culture was part of my upbringing, so it wasn’t a huge culture shock to move here. I’ve also visited Ghana multiple times as a child, teenager and young adult, so I had a good idea of what it would be like beforehand.
“I think that there’s this perception that living on the continent is basically impossible, but it just isn’t true. With planning and the right mentality, it is possible.”
How difficult or easy was it to relocate to Africa?
Vanessa: I had a lot of things in place that made my transition quite easy. I didn’t have to worry about employment as I work for myself, or accommodation because both my parents both have houses where I could stay until I settled in. I made the decision and within a few months, I was here. I spent so much of my income in London on rent and bills, so it’s actually been a huge blessing to move here. It's reduced my cost of living significantly and working remotely has given me more time to focus on my goals.
“Let’s not forget that Africa is still dealing with the legacy of 500 years of enslavement and 200 years of Colonialism. When you understand that, the idea that Africa should be functioning perfectly becomes benign.”
I think that there’s this perception that living on the continent is basically impossible, but it just isn’t true. With planning and the right mentality, it is possible. For years, Western media has depicted Africa in such a negative way, which has had such an impact on the global perception of Africa. This portrayal has also caused some of us of African descent to distance ourselves from our connection to the continent.
Things are slowly changing now, but for many people who grew up in the West in the 80s and 90s, there was a sense of shame associated with being African. Let’s not forget that Africa is still dealing with the legacy of 500 years of enslavement and 200 years of Colonialism. When you understand that, the idea that Africa should be functioning perfectly becomes benign.
For me, having access to the homes that my parents built and planning ahead made things much easier. I think living and thriving in Ghana completely depends on your mentality. If you want everything to look and run as it does in the West, you’ll have a hard time adjusting. Being open-minded and willing to understand that things work differently here has saved me from the stress that a lot of African returnees experience. Of course, there are challenges but to be honest, there are challenges everywhere you go!
Do you wish you had done anything differently?
Vanessa: Not at all, I wouldn’t change a thing. The only thing I miss about London is my friends, but a few of them will be visiting Ghana this year. I’ve been back to London once since I moved here. A few weeks at a time is enough for me! Sometimes when I’m out and about, I take a moment to take in all the sights and energy of Accra. I truly feel so fortunate that I’m able to live in such a beautiful place.
“ I never wanted to work in traditional employment in Ghana, so I made sure I had my business up and running before I left the UK. I work as a web and brand designer at my company Sena Studio, where I help small businesses establish a digital presence. ”
What do you do for a living in Ghana? Is there a lot of job opportunities out there?
“Although there are some issues, there are are still many positives to living here. For those who have thought about it, I would suggest writing a very detailed plan and then making it happen. ”
Vanessa: My decision to move to Ghana wasn’t just about the location, but more so about the quality of life that I could live. I wanted more time and freedom to work on my personal projects without being tied down to a particular job. I never wanted to work in traditional employment in Ghana, so I made sure I had my business up and running before I left the UK. I work as a web and brand designer at my company Sena Studio, where I help small businesses establish a digital presence. Most of my clients are outside Ghana, but one of my goals is to set up a physical business in the near future. In terms of job opportunities, I'm not sure what the traditional job market is like, but there's definitely a need for innovation and investment by people who really care about Ghana's future.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to move to Ghana?
Vanessa: I think that it’s really important for people of African descent especially, who have the skills and the right mentality to come back to Africa. In Ghana for instance, there are so many different migrant communities living here - Europeans, Chinese, Lebanese, Indians and so much more. Other communities, often with no ties to the continent are living, investing money and starting businesses here.
I think certain perceptions, family issues and fears about stability have made some Ghanaians reluctant to move back. Although there are some issues, there are are still many positives to living here. For those who have thought about it, I would suggest writing a very detailed plan and then making it happen.
For those who don’t plan on coming back, you can still invest in Ghana. It’s important that we see the value in our culture and continent and work to strengthen our ties and play a part in crafting the Ghana of tomorrow. This doesn’t only apply to Ghana, but the whole continent!
