Konnected Minds Podcast with Derrick Abaitey
Episode: Moving to Ghana Reality: Why the Diaspora is Quietly Leaving Ghana - Ivy Prosper
Date: January 2, 2026
Guest: Ivy Prosper

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Derrick Abaitey chats with Ivy Prosper—a media professional, author, and advocate for Africans in the diaspora—about the realities of moving back to Ghana. Together, they explore the motivations behind the return movement, expectations versus realities, structural and cultural challenges, and practical tips for those considering relocating to Ghana. The conversation offers honest, first-hand insights into why many in the diaspora are choosing to leave Ghana after returning, and how future movers can better prepare for a successful transition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Emotional Drivers vs. Practical Realities of Moving

• The Emotional Urge to 'Return Home'

  • Many in the diaspora feel drawn back by a desire to be among people "who look like you" and to escape systemic racism in Western societies. (00:00, 19:53)
  • The "Year of Return" and similar initiatives resonated deeply with those seeking spiritual connection to their ancestry.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "You have this emotional thing that you want to go back to Africa... But you have to be ready. You have to be prepared. You can't just come on emotion."
    — Ivy Prosper (19:53)

• Reality Check: Cost of Living & Jobs

  • Ghana is much more expensive than most people anticipate, especially for housing and everyday expenses. (00:00, 32:05)
  • Salaries are often much lower than in Western countries, unless you are headhunted for high-level roles. (22:52)
  • Quote:

    "Ghana is not a place to come and look for a job... You are not going to be paid the same as you were being paid in America, in Canada, the UK."
    — Ivy Prosper (22:52)

2. Entrepreneurship & Opportunities

• Business Potential in Ghana

  • Ghana offers opportunities for entrepreneurs—especially in areas underdeveloped in Western markets (e.g., cashew farming, beads, agribusiness). (08:28)
  • Ivy shares personal stories of diasporans building successful niche businesses.
  • Quote:

    "There are things here that you can use as a business. The reality is there are things here that people don't appreciate here that somebody appreciates that they can sell elsewhere."
    — Ivy Prosper (10:45)

• Diaspora Perspective on Opportunity

  • Outsiders often see opportunities locals overlook—the classic “fresh eyes” phenomenon.
  • Success, however, often depends on ability to adapt, network, and navigate informal systems. (12:04, 13:20)

3. Cultural Differences & Social Integration

• Building Community

  • Ivy recounts how she networked and created a sense of belonging—important for returnees, especially those less familiar with Ghana.
  • Quote:

    "For me, building a sense of community, making new friends wasn’t something that I found to be scary or difficult..."
    — Ivy Prosper (05:01)

• Cultural Mismatches

  • Everyday customs, language nuances ("please, please" culture), and indirect communication styles can frustrate returnees. (37:06–49:15)
  • Anecdote: Jamaican returnee expressed annoyance over constant use of "please"; others were frustrated by indirect or noncommittal answers.

4. Challenges: Reintegration, Bureaucracy, and Cost

• The Cost of Living & Rent System

  • Large up-front payments (often illegal, but common) can drain returnees’ savings (32:05).
  • Accra and desirable neighborhoods have especially high prices, leading some to move to less costly cities.

• Frustrations with Bureaucracy

  • Establishing businesses or navigating services is often slow and requires persistence.
  • Quote:

    "For example, if I want to start a business in Canada, I register online, make my payment online, I’ll get my certificate for the business, and that’s done within minutes... Here, you have to go to the office, physically fill out the form, make your payment, sit there..."
    — Ivy Prosper (37:08)

• Lack of Credit & Deferred Payments

  • Returnees miss the ability to access loans and credit for cars, homes, or businesses. High interest rates and collateral requirements make borrowing difficult (37:06).

• Concerns with Transparency and Honesty

  • Many returnees are frustrated by what they perceive as evasive or indirect communication in daily life and business, sometimes attributing this to cultural fear of confrontation. (40:00–49:15)
  • Quote:

    "Ghanaians are not always honest... some diaspora hate it so much, they’re like, I don’t want to be in an environment where I’m always trying to figure out what the truth is."
    — Ivy Prosper (41:00)

5. Impact of the Year of Return & Government Initiatives

• Unanticipated Success of ‘Year of Return’

  • Organizers were overwhelmed by the response and lacked the structures to support the influx. (14:56–19:53)
  • The follow-up “Beyond the Return” program and the proposed Homeland Return Act aimed to address gaps but have seen mixed progress.

• Local Sentiments & Tensions

  • Some Ghanaians blame the diaspora for rising prices and fear their own needs are neglected when government focuses on returnees (56:27).
  • Quote:

    "[Some say] we ourselves are unemployed... Why isn’t our government helping us? And they’re focused on the diaspora."
    — Ivy Prosper (50:39)

• Integration Challenges

  • Studies cited by the host and Ivy highlight that social reintegration is among the toughest hurdles.

6. Practical Advice for Aspiring Returnees

• Visit First, Research Thoroughly

  • Don’t base your decision solely on experiences during festive periods (e.g., December); spend meaningful time, research schools, housing, and lifestyle adjustments in regular months (59:35).
  • Quote:

    "Don’t come in December to try to decide if you want to live here."
    — Ivy Prosper (59:35)

• Plan for Lifestyle and Family Needs

  • Thoroughly budget for rent, schooling, transport, medical needs, contingencies, and lifestyle changes. (59:35–69:00)
  • Prepare for infrastructure and cultural differences: water supply, power cuts, health systems, and even social etiquette.

• Advice on Mindset

  • Legacy thinking, flexibility, and resilience are key for success.
  • Quote:

    "This is a place that you can build a legacy. You may not see it to fruition, but if you are a person who's a legacy thinker, you can build something that you can pass on..."
    — Ivy Prosper (08:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Emotional vs. Logical Decision-making

  "Don’t let the emotion only be the reason you come; look at the logical side and ask those questions: What business can I do? What job can I get?"
  — Ivy Prosper (22:52)

• On Adjusting to Everyday Ghanaian Life

  "People come in December, fall in love with Ghana, extend their stay... And then the realities of Ghana kick in. Because it’s not like December all year long."
  — Ivy Prosper (30:20)

• On Ghanaian Communication Styles

  "Even when we are going, we are saying, we are coming."
  — Derrick Abaitey (48:25)
  "You have to accept that the word 'no' doesn’t exist here."
  — Derrick Abaitey (48:44)

• On Legacy and Opportunity

  "You can start a business of dried fruits...branding, too. Waste beads... You can build business here or start a farm. There are opportunities that may be saturated elsewhere."
  — Ivy Prosper (08:28–10:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 — Why the Diaspora Returns: Emotional and Practical Drivers
• 08:28 — Legacy Thinking: Building Business and Wealth in Ghana
• 14:23 — Behind the Scenes: Year of Return, Information Gaps, and Social Media's Impact
• 19:53 — Emotional/Spiritual Pull vs. Hard Realities of Return
• 22:52 — The Ghana Job Market & Salary Expectations
• 32:05 — Housing Costs, Upfront Rent, and Related Challenges
• 37:08 — Bureaucratic Hurdles: Registering Businesses and More
• 40:00–49:15 — Everyday Cultural and Communication Frustrations
• 50:39 — Government Policy, Local Sentiments, and the Homeland Return Act
• 56:27 — Ghanaian-Diaspora Relations and Cost of Living Tensions
• 59:35 — Ivy’s Ultimate Move Back Guide: Planning, Research, and Adjustments
• 71:32 — Ivy on Motivation vs. Discipline for Diaspora Creators
• 72:45 — Best Advice Ivy Ever Received

Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways

• Preparation is Everything: Emotional connection is powerful but must be matched with detailed research, realistic budgeting, and openness to new challenges.
• Check Your Motivations: Are you staying for the long term, or chasing a fleeting feeling? Success depends on whether you’re ready for both the beauty and the frustrations.
• Build Your Network: Proactive socializing and partnership are crucial for opportunities and support.
• Understand Both Sides: Diaspora return can benefit Ghana—but it brings tensions, requires humility, and must engage with local realities honestly.
• Government Action Needed: Passing policy (like the Homeland Return Act), enforcing rental laws, and honest, clear communication can help returnees and locals alike thrive.

Resources & Next Steps

• Ivy’s YouTube Channel and book, “Your Essential Guide on Moving to Ghana”, are recommended for more comprehensive planning and guidance.
• For podcast listeners: Follow Konnected Minds on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more content on personal growth and Africa-focused discussions.

End of Episode Summary