VOICES From Migrations | Nana Boakye's story

“VOICES From Migrations” is a project co-funded by the European Union exploring untold migration stories. Nana Boakye is from Ghana, and he arrived in Italy in 2014. This is his history:

Nana Boakye

“My name is Nana Boakye, I’m from Ghana, and I arrived in Italy in 2014. Before that, I lived in Ghana, where I attended elementary and technical school. I have many practical skills: I am a tailor, electrician, plumber, builder, and I know how to drive. 

Because of the difficulties back home, especially the lack of freedom to practice my profession, I decided to leave in search of better opportunities. I didn’t feel bad about it. I believe everyone is meant to struggle for life; it’s our quest to improve it. Besides, when you need to survive, to move forward, you don’t think about what you leave behind.

I lived in Libya for about 3 to 4 years, but in 2011, war broke out. There were shootings, bombings.... Chaos. It was impossible to return to Ghana. Roads were broken, flights were canceled, and the only way forward was across the sea. So I crossed the Mediterranean in a boat and arrived in Sicily. From there, I moved to Milan, then Naples, and finally to Rosarno, trying to find stable living conditions.

In Italy, obtaining legal documents is extremely difficult. I applied for renewal, but the process is slow and full of obstacles. Without documents, it’s impossible to work legally, get health insurance, or receive emergency help. Many migrants are forced to work off the books, without any protections. Even when we receive contracts, they are often fake or not respected.

In Rosarno, I live in harsh conditions, sometimes sleeping in abandoned buildings. Every morning, many of us go to supermarkets hoping to get picked up for farm work. It all depends on luck. 

Despite this, I’ve learned a lot: new cultures, new skills, and I’ve grown as a person. In the future, I hope to use what I’ve learned to help my community in Ghana. My advice to young people is to believe in their skills and build on them. Europe and Africa are not so different when it comes to hard work - it's all about determination.”

Interview by: Guerrisi Giorgia, Honorine Akoguteta, and Albina Svitlychna

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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.