VOICES From Migrations | David Oppong Asamoah's story
- Changemakers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
“VOICES From Migrations” is a project co-funded by the European Union exploring untold migration stories. David Oppong Asamoah moved from Ghana to Italy in 2022. This is his history:
“I was born in Ghana in 1995, the youngest of a large family. We are 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Although our father died when I was young, my mom always supported me, encouraging me and telling me I could do better. Her motivation pushed me forward.
In 2022, I left Ghana, arriving in Libya first. This was the hardest part of the journey. I saw terrible things. Then, I took the boat from Libya to Italy. On the boat, there were 700 people, but about 100 died during the trip. Some died even before the trip started, in their efforts to get onto the ship. During the journey, we were so packed we had one foot on the boat, the other on the sea.
In February of that year, I arrived in Sicily, where I stayed for a few months. I managed to call my mom, who told me that my uncle was living in Naples and could help me out. So there I went.
After Naples came Rosarno, in November 2024. I came here because a friend told me there were jobs available. I started working in agriculture, and I have grown a lot since then.
Here, I am learning a lot while taking care of the land. I love learning about how these different fruits and vegetables are grown. And I want to continue learning. This is my goal, and it was my goal from the beginning. I wake up every day at 3 AM and start working. It’s hard, but it’s part of the job.
In Rosarno, I almost feel at home. Sometimes, when I close my eyes, though, I imagine I am still in Ghana. For a few minutes, I feel that I am there.
But I like Italy. The only problem is that I don’t actually have any documents. I have been trying to get them since I arrived, but with no results. I have had many appointments, yet no solutions. And I think: “Why can’t I?” I have been working so hard, like everyone here.
If I could give a piece of advice to my younger self, I’d say to believe in yourself, and to always use your mind.”
Interview by: Kinga Boross, Gloria Reitano, Krzysztof Sawicki, and Dimitris Agas
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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