You should have home-schooled your children and live somewhere affordable. If come to Africa and live in high end housing estate your cost of living would be comparable with living in developed country.
Anna you have so many good friends that you obtained in Ghana. Maybe, they can come to Holland to visit you on a girls trip so that you can keep in touch.
Love her or not, Anna is as real as it comes. How many people, especially those criticizing her, can be as vulnerable and transparent as she is. Stating the obvious of what she already mentioned isn’t necessary. Woulda Coulda Shoulda - that’s life. Plans changed, they tried to make it work, and it didn’t. So time to regroup. Her children (‘s mental health) come first , and if the schools weren’t working for them, so be it. No one can judge for them. Kudos to them for trying something others secretly wished they could have done but couldn’t for fear of judgement. All the best Acheampong Family👍
Total respect for her and her Husband. Trail Blazers and Oh the memories they created. I know that sad feeling. I am back in US for family reasons and although Africa is challenging, coming back to the west is heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, there are only two countries in black Africa that have the infrastructure, structure and economic power to support returnees from the diasporas... Nigeria & South Africa. With hard work & dedication i'm sure Ghana will also get there someday.
Advise to all diasporians wanting to live in Ghana. 1. Cut your coat according to your size 2. If you don't live in a mansion with a pool in Europe or America or wherever, don't rent one in Ghana 3. Think about investment(so many products from local craftsmen can fetch you money online. 4. If you have children and you are staying temporary, hire a personal tutor. Don't pay those huge school fees if you can't afford it. 5. Plan, plan, plan and plan again. Life is not all about having fun everyday, sometimes you need to sacrifice an live like locals.
You right I think most people trying to move to Ghana or Africa want to live in the same life like states or Europe but don't forget that Africans pay everything with cash not like having mortgage here,so that will be more expensive for you so yes they should cut their coats accordingly to the sizes!
Nailed it! The reason we can't survive in Africa is that we are big consumers and super westernized, unfortunately, which means we have to spend a lot to have that life since we don't produce most of the things we see on tv that we desire.
That is hitting the nail on the head. We live abroad, living pay check to check but somehow wants to live in prime area when we move to Ghana or Africa in general. Learn to live modestly, spend wisely and generate income while living outside.
We moved from Canada to Zambia. My husband is west African and I’m zambian/Zimbabwean and the reason I think why they didn’t manage to stay in Africa is because of poor planning. My husband stayed in Canada while I recently finished building our 2 bedroom house. I have done all this while being pregnant and two toddlers that were at the time under 1 and 2 yrs old. It’s possible to do things if you focus your resources on making a sustainable way of living. I’ve vlogged my journey but really hope they learn from their experience. Living in Africa isn’t for the faint hearted, there are certain things one must be willing to give up along the way. Getting your hair done regularly, getting your nails done, buying clothes etc. so that you can actualize something that makes sense…
Going to live in Ghana required a plan. My wife and I have a house in Tema. Our kids are homeschooling in Ghana from an accredited private school in the US. You gotta be smart if you want to move to Africa.
That is amazing I am in the US and that is what I plan to do. I think the Europeans are in a disadvantage when it comes to homeschooling. I believe France and Germany has banned homeschooling. I guess the Europeans would have to checkout the UK or US if they are allowed to use the their homeschool system.
Anna you are one of the most transparent YTbers out there. No hiding, lies or masquerading. You laid out everything that impacted your decision and I appreciate that. Everything you mentioned is what we all are thinking about and your insight has saved and helped many. Don’t be discouraged it will happen. If Kevin can get a remote job from the Netherlands he doesn’t have to break his career momentum. For the kids, wake up earlier to drive into the city. I grew up in Jamaica and drove 2 hours to get to school in Kingston. Taught me discipline and perseverance and it paid off in a big way later in life. Looking forward to the rest of your story!
@@JC-ty3zq it’s not luxury. In hahana even the basic things feel like luxury. Water, electricity, health insurance, good schools, mortgage etc are basic things the government should make accessible. But even tjeee fee like a luxury.
Vanessa's strategy about why she moved to Ghana is similar to mine. I relocated to Ghana in 2012. I still have a house in the States and I own two houses in Ghana, since relocating. I bought one as a rental property and built one, which is my dream house. My kids, therefore, have options when they grow up relative to where they wish to live.
@@iamgratefuldailyyMy rental property is in Tema, community 25. It's long-term leasing. I rented it out to a corporate client for six years, after buying the house in 2015. I am in the process of renting it to a family of three. Why do you ask?
@@denniscasely-hayford3245 Grateful for your response. My mother was in the process of finding a location for me in Ghana as a small investor. She adviced me to start with a house which is already built instead of building a house. She passed away in 2020. Trusting others in Ghana while currently in The United States is super concerning to me. I ask because with your properties journey, I may gain some knowledge.
@@iamgratefuldailyy You should also consider the South African property market. It has great property and there’s a lot of return in terms of finances. The weather is wonderful, even though there is relatively more crime than Ghana but you may find your transition to South Africa easier. Also, try visiting first so you can gauge whether or not it’s something you want to do.
Loved how honest and transparent Anna was during this interview. There are so many different positions to consider when an entire family's wellbeing is involved...especially with kids!
As someone who wanted to relocate..I tested the waters with my kids and they hated! It ..they loved the weather but my eldest kept talking about how bored he was all the time..how he missed the snow and how slow the internet was..My children are my world, as much as my spouse and I are building a gorgeous home on the hills of Aburi we won't be living in it until all the kids are in college able to take care of themselves..for now Ghana is off the list ..it was a miss with my kids who are so used to the Boston way of life 😪 😕 and I wanted them to love it so much cos I loved it but I felt I was forcing Ghana on them and that's just not right .Thank you for being sincere honest and completely vulnerable in sharing your story Achampong family 🥰🙏
I think Youd rather just stay abroad . Sometimes the kids take time to love it . Kids somehow adapt if you create the experience or fill the vacuum that they are filling
In my personal opinion.. the Acheampong family never meant to stay past a year hence the covid extented vaccation lifestyle over killed their budget & put massive pressure on the family to return after two years. Its a learning experince of a lifetime no-one can take away from them or their viewers. Come back well planned & stronger ..
@@Yes-sl7gz.. She started giving hints of leaving half a year ago.. Wode maya visited them in their house & they had a swimming pool plus 6 bedroom one storey building rented , plus two house-helps.
I was diagnosed with SAD while living in Chicago. I moved from California to Chicago and during winter very little sunlight where I was living. Now I make sure my home has lots of sunlight coming in.
Thank you Vanessa! Congratulations to the Acheampong Family! You didn't fail. It's just a step for something even greater whenever and wherever God guides you to be. I am still amazed at how the family was able to extend their Ghana stay from 8 months to 2 years! People complain that Anna and Kevin didn't budget wisely but those are the same people who can barely change their flight tickets with extra charge, or extend their vacation week. Extending any stay over a whole year with no salary...? Y'all don't need to worry about their pocket. They're good! Kudos to them! Anna and Kevin did a remarkable job sustaining their lifestyle. I also love the fact that they are asking themselves the right questions, taking everyone's happiness into consideration. Mental health is important and often neglected in our community. I've always thought about building something in Togo but never thought about really living there. Seeing their videos - and even Vanessa's videos - gave me a whole new perspective on things. So I am very grateful they were able to share their journey and concerns. I am taking their advice and questions into consideration and hopefully will apply them when the time comes...
I live in the Netherlands at the moment and I'm doing everything to move to Africa. Living in the Netherlands is not for everyone. It can be very bad mentally and physically for some cultures to live in a Cold country. Thx to Anna and her family for showing their journey. Africa is freedom and the future. I will be homeschooling my child she needs that so and we will not be living in city.Africa is real good for slow living. Lots of blissings, love, peace and healing for u and your family Anna💜.
Yoooooooo Sis! You are NOT alone! I’m in the Netherlands too and have been actively ‘Blaxit-ing’ …. Homeschooling and non traditional income generating 😩 Not easy but the journey continues :)
@@xMissTix Yes I have heard that it's not easy to home school in the Netherlands. My daughter is 4 now and I hopeni can get the permit for home schooling. But I want to move this year so then it will be mutch easier to do home schooling in a foreign country. I need the slow living and the sun like I had in Curacao, so moving is the only option for me. thx for sharing your story💜🙌🏾
@@Yoniverse666 May you have many more blessings on your move there!! Heard in the UK around 100 Black British a month flee to Africa's countries never to return and happy for it. The racism, cold weather and issues in schools got on their last nerves. These western schools do hold back black children and certainly don't teach real black history.The video below came up in my notification by chance. Glad it did. Also Wode Maya one of the Africans who have many great videos of people from western/eastern countries and caribbean islands moved to Africa too. He traveled to a lot of countries in Africa with many fantastic stories about the people who moved there. Plenty great advices too. th-cam.com/video/wdodTci1FwA/w-d-xo.html
Great interview, my partner and I are in the same boat, between continuing life in the Western World and finding an affordable solution to be back home. Decisions are tough with kids + career in the balance. Thanks for sharing your story Madame Acheampong.
Hi Anna, With better planning you can have the best of both worlds, namely living in Ghana and the Netherlands. Your kids will thank you one-day for reinforcing their African heritage by spending a few years in Ghana with them. Going forward, you may want to invest in an apartment which is not too expensive and you can use as Airbnb to generate supplementary income. You can then visit Ghana for vacations till you are ready to take the plunge. Above all, Ghana is a developing country but with better planning you will enjoy living here. Cheers!
Ghana is very expensive. Even just relying on shopping from local establishments and nearest market. Prices are not controlled. Other African countries like SA, or Kenya are actually cheaper even with the higher tax. School standards are not up to par with the fees paid. We are even in the Adenta area and the next best school in Madina is 2000 usd a term. The kid is just 4.5. I found a few government schools, but the GES curriculum does not allow for critical thinking and reasoning. Of course one could argue that other kids go those schools and turn out just fine, but international standard exams like SAT, GMAT or GRE tell a different picture of what the education system produces. I do agree however that better planning even with the fees could have helped stretch funds further. Maybe housing further out of town but with a longer commute to schools? Or if the school had a pick up and drop off service? I would strongly advise buying a property for rental that u can come and stay in urself on your next extended stay, or better still for ur children. My parents built a house 30yrs ago and have never lived in it, yet I was the one who moved in. All the best of luck back in the Netherlands.
I just want to add that it was watching The Acheampongs videos in ghana durring confinement that kepted us all going I think we will all miss that. We grateful 🙏 to u and your family.
Well said Anna. "Build the house and then move". That is exactly what we are doing in Tema. Our house is almost done 80%. We will be moving soon from the States to Ghana and enjoy the best of both countries. Sad to hear you guys leaving.
I enjoyed this video. Anna was so transparent. Please note: If or when you do decide to build a house, do NOT build on your family property/land. The legal implication if you do is that when you pass(God forbid), the house built on family property (regardless the fact that all moneys spent were yours) belongs to the family i.e inclusive of extended family and not your children.
Anna, thanks for sharing your story . It’s never easy to transplant yourself into another country with a complete different social economic architecture over night . You’re not a failure , and don’t blame yourself or anyone for the prevailing situation.There’s always another time and many opportunities . The beautiful thing is that you have a recognisable face ,voice and network of valuable friends in Ghana , another try next time will be much easier . My prayers for you and your family. I wish you peace ☮️
Putting jokes aside.. Ghanaians live really wealthy lives. It's unbelievable how expensive Ghana is. I told my friends after returning from the United States its cheaper than Ghana and they don't believe me.
It's strange because I experienced the same thing, a kind of withdrawal after returning to the US. I was on vacation in Ghana trying to see what it will take to make a permanent move there...after returning, I am more determined to move than ever. There's something about the spirit of the people, the peacefulness, the sun...that just makes me feel at home...its hard to explain.
As long as you manage your spending in Africa you will be fine. Folks get caught up trying to flex out of an Eurocentric Inflated ego b/c they're in Africa but you were driving a Kia Forte in the US. Also, medical system is based on your ability to pay so make that reserve budget count.
This is probably the most honest, sincere and sound feedback about Ghana from @anna. Life in Europe is way cheaper than life in any African country. But most people moving to Africa want to live a lifestyle they can't afford in their current circumstances.
As an Ethiopian living abroad, I can so relate to her point about how expensive it is to live in Africa. I can't speak for any other African country per se but I just visited the Capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa and buying a house in a centrally located area is ridiculously expensive. Interest rate banks offer after putting down 30% is anywhere from 8% -12% for diaspora, and 14% for local citizens. I think the Acheampong family made the right decision and when it is the Lord's time and according to His will, they may build their dream home in Accra one day.
Addis Ababa is extremely expensive...but at least you get loans. In Nigeria,houses are only expensive in the highbrow parts of Lagos and Abuja,most people buy land and just build in estates or suburbs,mostly all cash.
Wow... what she said about Vitamin D... and being in Ghana... That's Amazing to me, because it Correlates with Black/Caribbean/African People trying to live in Colder Countries... Yes it definitely effects us Mentally and Emotionally.
Actually people of other ethnicities have this same problem during the winter months. There are lights like she mentioned to help with lack of sunshine.
Very candid conversation. I think Ghanaians in the diaspora could relate to the dilemma of choosing between wherever they are based in the West and Ghana. Tough on bodies and minds.
I am of South indian Sri lankan decent. Vanessa and The Acheampong family vlogs are fun to watch and quite useful. I wish Acheampong family good luck and things are going to turn out great for them. As for schooling, We have expereincce of attending schools in West Africa. My father enrolled us in a local school and not in an international school. Looking back, i think he did a great thing by doing it. We enjoyed the local culture, learned something from it and met some great people. Honestly there are some good local schools in West Africa and We paid very little. But Acheampong is right, there might be lots of competition or there might be long lineup to get in. Thanks Vanessa for the great Vlog!
For your information not all good schools in Ghana are found in Accra. Cape Coast has most of the best schools in Ghana. There are also good schools in Takoradi and Kumasi so you could live outside Accra and still provide good education for your children.
Such a candid interview. Really brave of her explaining and opening up to the internet about such private situation. All the best to the Acheampong family with their next endeavor
I love how honest Anna always is. I stayed in Ghana myself with 3 kids for 9 months and I can tell you that it is the worst decisions I ever made in my life. My kids were miserable ( hard to find kids friendly activities, or place without not spending money). Ghana is really expensive and most people are mean. And I also believe the light skinned and whites are celebrated and respected more. I’m sorry to say but people are very rude , no respect at all. You can get anyone to help you with small thing without them not demanding for money or expecting something in return. Before you move with kids really make sure everything is set. And Anna is right the schools are so expensive. I felt as if school is the money maker business for everyone there. They don’t really care about the well being of the kids, their emotional and mental well beings. Don’t even get me started about traffic and the police man and their rip-off and crazy driving. Sorry to say but Ghana is all about money. Ghana has been sold to the westerners and the real Ghanaians are struggling to make it, and that has made most of them to cold hearted. The citizens are tired.
Glad to see Anna but I was so disappointed when the family relocated back to the Netherlands. I do understand that strategically and financially things did not work out. I was planning to move to Ghana based off of some of her critiques but not anymore. I plan to visit more often as opposed to living there. I could do 6 months on and off. Vanessa you are gem. Keep giving us all the info about Ghana.
@@TheChariot99 Yes indeed. Or healthy investment accounts. Moving to any country without sufficient funds to sustain one in the lifestyle to which one has become accustomed is bound to be difficult. If the Acheampongs arrived with enough funds to purchase a home or two (eg one for rental income) in an area of their choice and near an international school of their choice, they would probably still be in Ghana. Kevin could have taken the job for additional income and they would have lived comfortably.
@@TheChariot99 i just listened to these Acheampong family and some other people who couldnt stay in Ghana and it all boils down to one thing..they didnt live within their means..You cant just move to any country without any plan..if you want to move to Ghana or anywhere in Africa, you need a steady flow of income..Some of them live in 1 or 2bedroom apartment in europe or America but want to get a whole house for themselves when they move to Ghana..it was lack pf proper planning on their part..People who plan well are able to stay in Ghana permanently..
I think Kevin is smart, put the kids first let them have a balanced education in Europe and for him to continue on his career journey as he is the Man and ultimately the provider of his family 👪. + Anna I remember you saying you had also enrolled finish your degree. So I think that you made the best decision for all of you. Do the foundation things 1st then in 5yrs time you can reassess. As Ghana is not going anywhere. But Kevin is right renting is throwing money down the drain wherever you are in the world. ❤ All will b well you guys can still visit once or twice a Yr.
That was very candid of (Ana).....sometime, it takes one time, two time, or even three time trial to get it the way you really want it to be, wish her the best in their future decisions.
Great interview Nessa girl, I’m going to miss them not being in Ghana that’s clearly where she wants to be and I thought the kids looked very happy. I guess it’s true coming from the West that you’ll need multiple legs of income back home before embarking on such way of life in Ghana if you’re planning to stay. Bye Anna good luck to the family 👋🏾
Moving to Africa is exciting but it has its own challenges. To live comfortably, it’s wise to go & retire there while you live on your pension money. For young couples or young people, it’s wise to plan for a business that will sustain you. Thanks Anna for sharing your honest & sharing from experience.
Awww! I feel so sad watching this interview. I pray for fund and God’s wisdom for Anna and her family going forward. Her channel brought joy to many of us and I wish her joy and love.
Wondering if they thought about mortgage options with a bank. Our homes in Ghana were bought with a bank. Granted the interest was high, but our plan was to pay it off in less than 5 yrs which we did. Moving to ghana is definitely not a figure it as you go thing. It took my husband and I 5 yrs or so to finally move and that was because we wanted to ensure our house was finished and had a car to avoid renting and taking taxis/Uber or trotros (as small as that May sound, it accumulates over time) Anna’s experience is real and hope we all learn something from it.
@@tjkpekpe6944 got it! It was pretty simple and not that difficult for us honestly. Just to caveat, this was our personal experience we lived in the states at the time, and it may be different for folks who live in different countries. With that said, this was our steps: We chose houses that were being built by developers. This was our preference because we lived in the States at the time and didn’t have the means or family members to manage a home building project. We started off researching developers we could trust - years in business, toured and lived in some of their already built homes, spoke to folks who owned homes by these developers etc). After we settled on a developer we contacted banks that provided 20+ years of mortgage plan payment options to give us flexibility in paying back. We researched online, and called the banks to confirm the info we read on their site and decided to visit them when we made it to Ghana in person. FYI developers have their own payment schedules that you can pick from, But those payment plans are quite frankly ridiculous. Some developers also have partnerships with banks that you can choose from.We finally settled on a bank and started the paperwork. FYI if you are not a Ghanaian citizen and are not employed in Ghana, The banks are not willing to pay 100% of your loan. For our bank, they were only willing to pay 70% of the loan and we pay the 30%. All banks have their thresholds but the bank we went for was 70/30. So we made the 30% payment to the developer after we completed application with them, and then went through the application with the bank. We had gone through a mini preapproval process with the bank so we knew we would be approved before we made our 30% deposit with a developer. The application process for the bank is similar to any house purchase process that is, they will need you to complete an application, Provide them with paystub’s, credit report from any of the credit agencies, Bank statement, Offer letter from your employer, The confirmation from the developer that we made our 30% payment and I believe a letter we received from the developer with our next steps. I believe that was all they required. We were Approved in about a week and they connected with the developer directly for additional documentation which all happened in the backend and the final 70% payment was made to the developer once the house was complete. We started making payments to the bank A month after the completion of the house and I believe the payment at the time was about $900 with interest which we paid more every month and was able to pay off in about 2.5years. We bought our second home using the same bank and because we had developed a relationship with that bank they decided to pay for 90% of the mortgage loan versus the 70% the first time. This process was over five years ago so I’m sure the process has progressed in a better way by now. I will highly recommend you look into it if this is something you’re interested in do some research go to the banks, talk to the mortgage mortgage processing team and to figure out what will work best for you. Hope this helps.
This is an excellent interview. I thought Vanessa would be timid with her questions, but she came right out with them, especially when Anna described the sacrifices Kevin made in terms of his career. I didn't even know think Anna would even answer the question, but she did in a frank manner.
This was a very open and honest conversation. I enjoyed watching/listening to this. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt here. All the best to them!
I'm moving to Ghana soon and I'm not moving in until my business is self-sufficient. In addition, I'm not moving abruptly, but only gradually to adjust well
Basically, they did the typical thing some people moving to Ghana do: they treated it like a holiday. A fraction of the amount they spent per year could have been invested in local enterprise, thereby bringing some income in while the job situation got sorted out. Ghana is as expensive as you want it to be. And if you try to live a luxurious lifestyle in Ghana you will spend more than if you tried the same thing in Europe. Basic amenities can be surprisingly costly. If you plan on moving to Ghana, shop where the locals shop. If you try to get food from the mall you might spend twice as much. And instead of using the expensive private schools, get them remote tutoring with Abeka Academy. A commenter mentioned them above and they seem good. And most importantly, if you are yet to get a job, have a budget. Get a small car to move around in, and get an apartment which is clean and spacious but isn't extravagant. The less money you spend on basic necessities the longer you would be able to live in Ghana.
My children weren't happy either. They're teenagers. I had to come back to the states for them after being in Ghana for 2 years as well. I am feeling your struggles. Although, my husband and I built a house.
Vanessa this is such an informative video, it shows and reveals many issues around Africans living in the diaspora and the challenges experienced by young families willing to return home. However the greatest point that came across to me was what amazing parents the Acheampong and Kanbi family are. Thank you both for being strong enough in your characters to be so vulnerable and yet remain wholehearted to the true African/ Ghanaian Character of Raising a Family, personal sacrifice is so evident in the Acheampong family's decision to return to the West. Rally back Acheampong's, the challenges are not new anymore.
There are a lot of good international schools outside Accra, even some are better than the accra schools and also you can get a mortgage in Ghana as well, i think you need explore more
To be Frank I was born in gh but grew up in the western world.. In terms of school we learn too much unnecessary stuff n it's difficult too compared to Europe.. So not surprised she moved her kids but if u survive in Ghana u can survive everywhere academically 😁 God bless u in ur next steps.
Same for Côte d’Ivoire …I went to Canada for the last part of my high school and it’s nothing compare to how difficult it’s was in Côte d’Ivoire… I felt lucky cuz 😅
You can take your time to build your dream home. Still educate your children abroad and bring the children every year or 2years to maintain their culture. I wish I did that with my children.
Wow ... A wholesome conversation. I hope it serves it's purpose to other expats who wanna come live in Ghana/Africa in General. However, with the sch thing Anna mentioned, trust me there are also good schools outside the City which can rub shoulders with the ones in Accra.
Vanessa speaks so well . i love her Scottish accent . I love Anna's way of talking too . Anna is so well spoken . I was glad to see Kevin in between. Vanessa , please interview my dream man Kevin. I want to hear from him , Vanessa .
Thanks for this video. We used to live in Africa - Cote d'Ivoire and Ethiopia until 2007. We left due to political, security and health concerns and other complications, although we were sorry especially to leave our lovely affordable rental home with pool and garden in Cote d'Ivoire. We had planned to return to Africa after a short time but became too attached to NYC. NYC ended up being more expensive than expected but we were very attached. There was so much for families to do in NYC and we got carried away. with Manhattan. I wish we had moved outside of Manhattan where it was cheaper and eventually returned to Africa earlier. Now with covid, everything is more complicated and expensive and also nowhere is like it was years ago pre-covid.
So cool your videos I discovered you through wode Maya's channel. I'm half Swedish and half african from french Guinea. My mom is white and my father is black. So cool to share these bonds with you!!!! Best of luck With your work I will continue following you.
Anna likes the freedom and luxury in Ghana with house help and more, if she can't afford that. And the family's choices are based on her needs most of the time. And once she doesn't have that, Depression sets in. It's normal to have adjustment disorder. I will say Anna has adjustment disorder. Just get a big land outside Accra, build some 3 bedroom on it, leave there and spend the money to travel to the desired school for the children. It will help save money
What an amazing video. I’m living in both sides of the world the western country is more expensive to live in . Living in Europe you get to pay your rent every month but in places like Nigeria etc your rent on yearly basis, buying a land and building your own house is applicable on both sides of the world if you plan really well and the best thing to do is get out of the city and live in the suburbs way cheaper . You can hardly get a mortgage in Africa to buy your own house while over here you will need to provide 10% up front for your mortgage and the bank provide 90% remember you are paying back the bank every month with the certain amount agreed so it’s not like you own the house outrightly. I can go on and on my advice is everyone should have a plan and live within their means weather home or abroad.
Anna, thanks for being open. I think you missed out on an opportunity. You and Kelvin could have started a school outside Accra. You could've got some of your friends from The Netherlands to help you setup the school. There many other people in similar situation as you; wants to live in green areas and need a school for their children. You could've bridged that gap and also make lots of money. All the best in your future endeavors.
You also want to see the positives. I am sure their experience in Ghana will give they and their children an invaluable experience and memories that will live with them forever. Such is life: it is filled with ups and downs that you should learn from. They are still relatively young. They will be fine.
When we lived in Finland we were students/cleaners and were used to very modest way of living. It kinda helped that we were just in the beginning of our career (and life in general) and had not gotten accustomed to any certain standard of living. It was easier to adjust to a simple way of life. When you adopt local way of life and move outside the rich areas it is not that expensive. There was a time when water and electricity was scarce and that made me wanna move out. So we left for two years. I felt really empty coming back to FInalnd. Maybe reverse culture shock and the darkness and all that loneliness. When we came back things were a lot better.
There is absolute difference between holidaying and actually living in Ghana - it's madly too expensive considering what you get as services and amentities!
Anna is so real. The only reason I was able to move was because I had funds to build and my kid goes to a local private school so it's a little westernized(activities, play area, etc) but the children are all from here(Senegal). It's tough having the best of both worlds, I glad she at least gets to travel back for work.
I appreciate the honesty in this video and the fact that it’s just life sometimes. Sometimes you try new things and immediately succeed. Sometimes you try something and need to regroup and try again or change direction. That’s life. I hope the family settle in The Netherlands and find happiness and success there. Packing up and moving your life to a new country isn’t easy whether temporary or not.
@@time4advancement244 A few years ago, they made videos about an extended stay in Ghana, not planning on living there full term. When the reality of the situation hit, their perspective changed. That’s not dishonesty, that’s a change in direction. Seriously, the negativity I see spewn in the comments is disgusting. Like you’ve never tried something and it not gone the way you anticipated. Only difference is you weren’t brave enough to post for the world to see and comment.
Is good that Anna has told the true story of up and going to live in GH, for a while I was thinking you guys i.e. those who have a choice to up and go back to where they were originally living, with their house awaiting was not seeing or experiencing the real GH. I'm seeing in Vanessa eyes that the grass may not be as green and the struggle is the same everywhere. I think if one is willing to drop down some of their expectations and take GH as it comes then maybe it may work
Build for both!!! If you are in the Netherlands use it for business and then you block it out when you come for vacation. Build a practical house . Minimal with maybe three rooms that can be converted into an office space if the kids are too grown or don’t want to live in Ghana. All the best!
Ghana is not expensive. You can live a common life if yoy have a job. I prefere to walk trotro or taxi. No need to have a big house with a pool and to take care about the family is one of the most important things in our lives. If we do not do it we will never be happy no matter how much D vitamins we get…
Point of correction, african countries don't cost more, that is just ghana, african countries are cheaper. Nigeria for example is far more cheaper than ghana.
I’ve only watched bits and pieces of their videos during peak of covid and shutdowns. I give them respect for leaving the comforts of a 1st world country to live in Ghana. That takes courage and strength. I’ve been debating for years as to whether I can go back to live in the 3rd world country of my birth. I saw do many young ppl on TH-cam take that risk. At the very least, we saw the pros and cons of transitioning. Kudos to them!!! Especially whilst with children. Thanks to these vibrant individuals including Vanessa for giving me that exposure.
Dear Diasporas, we don't live on credit in Ghana or Africa, if you wanna move here, have other sources of income that brings in money regularly e.g retirement benefits, pension, other hustles when you move here and continue to live basic until you know the system and have connects. Don't move down renting mansions, living larger than you were abroad. You will be running back to the snow and the credit systems of the west where you will work until you die. Coming every December for a month and living large is different from moving back permanently AND with kids.
I love Ghana, I can’t wait to move to Africa, I have land in Takoradi beach front! Anna I do hope you and your family come back to stay in Africa, there other continents also!❤️
Thanks Vanessa 😀 That was great video advise it's best to have your own property than rental, every were is expensive Anna I felt sorry for her, that's why Wode Maya and Tayo Always say it's best to have your own business , invest within your Country build your own home.
Thank you for having me 🥰😃
Ur always welcome home
You should have home-schooled your children and live somewhere affordable. If come to Africa and live in high end housing estate your cost of living would be comparable with living in developed country.
@@proyouservicesltd3652 ur right
Anna you have so many good friends that you obtained in Ghana. Maybe, they can come to Holland to visit you on a girls trip so that you can keep in touch.
Blessings to you and your family. May God give both you and your husband peace in your decision making.
Love her or not, Anna is as real as it comes. How many people, especially those criticizing her, can be as vulnerable and transparent as she is. Stating the obvious of what she already mentioned isn’t necessary. Woulda Coulda Shoulda - that’s life.
Plans changed, they tried to make it work, and it didn’t. So time to regroup.
Her children (‘s mental health) come first , and if the schools weren’t working for them, so be it. No one can judge for them. Kudos to them for trying something others secretly wished they could have done but couldn’t for fear of judgement.
All the best Acheampong Family👍
Total respect for her and her Husband. Trail Blazers and Oh the memories they created. I know that sad feeling. I am back in US for family reasons and although Africa is challenging, coming back to the west is heartbreaking.
Thank you ellie 😊
Unfortunately, there are only two countries in black Africa that have the infrastructure, structure and economic power to support returnees from the diasporas... Nigeria & South Africa.
With hard work & dedication i'm sure Ghana will also get there someday.
@@RoyaIboy Nigeria🤔
@@RoyaIboy 🤡
Advise to all diasporians wanting to live in Ghana.
1. Cut your coat according to your size
2. If you don't live in a mansion with a pool in Europe or America or wherever, don't rent one in Ghana
3. Think about investment(so many products from local craftsmen can fetch you money online.
4. If you have children and you are staying temporary, hire a personal tutor. Don't pay those huge school fees if you can't afford it.
5. Plan, plan, plan and plan again. Life is not all about having fun everyday, sometimes you need to sacrifice an live like locals.
You right I think most people trying to move to Ghana or Africa want to live in the same life like states or Europe but don't forget that Africans pay everything with cash not like having mortgage here,so that will be more expensive for you so yes they should cut their coats accordingly to the sizes!
ALL VERY GOOD ADVICE AND FAX!!!
💯%
Nailed it! The reason we can't survive in Africa is that we are big consumers and super westernized, unfortunately, which means we have to spend a lot to have that life since we don't produce most of the things we see on tv that we desire.
That is hitting the nail on the head. We live abroad, living pay check to check but somehow wants to live in prime area when we move to Ghana or Africa in general. Learn to live modestly, spend wisely and generate income while living outside.
We moved from Canada to Zambia. My husband is west African and I’m zambian/Zimbabwean and the reason I think why they didn’t manage to stay in Africa is because of poor planning. My husband stayed in Canada while I recently finished building our 2 bedroom house. I have done all this while being pregnant and two toddlers that were at the time under 1 and 2 yrs old. It’s possible to do things if you focus your resources on making a sustainable way of living. I’ve vlogged my journey but really hope they learn from their experience. Living in Africa isn’t for the faint hearted, there are certain things one must be willing to give up along the way. Getting your hair done regularly, getting your nails done, buying clothes etc. so that you can actualize something that makes sense…
Going to live in Ghana required a plan. My wife and I have a house in Tema. Our kids are homeschooling in Ghana from an accredited private school in the US. You gotta be smart if you want to move to Africa.
Please what is the name of the private school?
Please what is the name of the private school?
@@MegaAxim Abeka Academy, they are located in Florida
Thank you!!!
That is amazing I am in the US and that is what I plan to do. I think the Europeans are in a disadvantage when it comes to homeschooling. I believe France and Germany has banned homeschooling. I guess the Europeans would have to checkout the UK or US if they are allowed to use the their homeschool system.
Anna you are one of the most transparent YTbers out there. No hiding, lies or masquerading. You laid out everything that impacted your decision and I appreciate that. Everything you mentioned is what we all are thinking about and your insight has saved and helped many. Don’t be discouraged it will happen. If Kevin can get a remote job from the Netherlands he doesn’t have to break his career momentum. For the kids, wake up earlier to drive into the city. I grew up in Jamaica and drove 2 hours to get to school in Kingston. Taught me discipline and perseverance and it paid off in a big way later in life. Looking forward to the rest of your story!
I love how transparent she was in this video…especially about the cost!
@@JC-ty3zq it’s not luxury. In hahana even the basic things feel like luxury. Water, electricity, health insurance, good schools, mortgage etc are basic things the government should make accessible. But even tjeee fee like a luxury.
What wholesome conversation. Always loved Anna's honesty xx
Anna lived in GHANA beyond her means, because she underrated every one in GHANA. Yet, she is a small fry in the NETHERLANDS.
Jaaaaaaaaaz 🌹🌹
Vanessa's strategy about why she moved to Ghana is similar to mine. I relocated to Ghana in 2012. I still have a house in the States and I own two houses in Ghana, since relocating. I bought one as a rental property and built one, which is my dream house. My kids, therefore, have options when they grow up relative to where they wish to live.
Smart move with the real estate investment as someone who relocated. 👏🏾
What area are your rental properties located in Ghana? Is it Airb&b or long-term leasing?
@@iamgratefuldailyyMy rental property is in Tema, community 25. It's long-term leasing. I rented it out to a corporate client for six years, after buying the house in 2015. I am in the process of renting it to a family of three. Why do you ask?
@@denniscasely-hayford3245 Grateful for your response. My mother was in the process of finding a location for me in Ghana as a small investor. She adviced me to start with a house which is already built instead of building a house. She passed away in 2020. Trusting others in Ghana while currently in The United States is super concerning to me. I ask because with your properties journey, I may gain some knowledge.
@@iamgratefuldailyy You should also consider the South African property market. It has great property and there’s a lot of return in terms of finances. The weather is wonderful, even though there is relatively more crime than Ghana but you may find your transition to South Africa easier. Also, try visiting first so you can gauge whether or not it’s something you want to do.
Loved how honest and transparent Anna was during this interview. There are so many different positions to consider when an entire family's wellbeing is involved...especially with kids!
As someone who wanted to relocate..I tested the waters with my kids and they hated! It ..they loved the weather but my eldest kept talking about how bored he was all the time..how he missed the snow and how slow the internet was..My children are my world, as much as my spouse and I are building a gorgeous home on the hills of Aburi we won't be living in it until all the kids are in college able to take care of themselves..for now Ghana is off the list ..it was a miss with my kids who are so used to the Boston way of life 😪 😕 and I wanted them to love it so much cos I loved it but I felt I was forcing Ghana on them and that's just not right .Thank you for being sincere honest and completely vulnerable in sharing your story Achampong family 🥰🙏
I think Youd rather just stay abroad . Sometimes the kids take time to love it . Kids somehow adapt if you create the experience or fill the vacuum that they are filling
In my personal opinion.. the Acheampong family never meant to stay past a year hence the covid extented vaccation lifestyle over killed their budget & put massive pressure on the family to return after two years. Its a learning experince of a lifetime no-one can take away from them or their viewers. Come back well planned & stronger ..
Funny how your personal opinion is exactly what she actually told us all. 😂
@@Yes-sl7gz.. She started giving hints of leaving half a year ago.. Wode maya visited them in their house & they had a swimming pool plus 6 bedroom one storey building rented , plus two house-helps.
@@thyeocroft205 imagine doing this with no income
@@Yes-sl7gz yes 👍
@@WoFoyTV The nerve...
I wish Anna and her family all the best.
I was diagnosed with SAD while living in Chicago. I moved from California to Chicago and during winter very little sunlight where I was living. Now I make sure my home has lots of sunlight coming in.
Thank you Vanessa! Congratulations to the Acheampong Family! You didn't fail. It's just a step for something even greater whenever and wherever God guides you to be. I am still amazed at how the family was able to extend their Ghana stay from 8 months to 2 years! People complain that Anna and Kevin didn't budget wisely but those are the same people who can barely change their flight tickets with extra charge, or extend their vacation week. Extending any stay over a whole year with no salary...? Y'all don't need to worry about their pocket. They're good! Kudos to them! Anna and Kevin did a remarkable job sustaining their lifestyle. I also love the fact that they are asking themselves the right questions, taking everyone's happiness into consideration. Mental health is important and often neglected in our community. I've always thought about building something in Togo but never thought about really living there. Seeing their videos - and even Vanessa's videos - gave me a whole new perspective on things. So I am very grateful they were able to share their journey and concerns. I am taking their advice and questions into consideration and hopefully will apply them when the time comes...
I live in the Netherlands at the moment and I'm doing everything to move to Africa. Living in the Netherlands is not for everyone. It can be very bad mentally and physically for some cultures to live in a Cold country. Thx to Anna and her family for showing their journey. Africa is freedom and the future. I will be homeschooling my child she needs that so and we will not be living in city.Africa is real good for slow living. Lots of blissings, love, peace and healing for u and your family Anna💜.
Yoooooooo Sis! You are NOT alone! I’m in the Netherlands too and have been actively ‘Blaxit-ing’ …. Homeschooling and non traditional income generating 😩 Not easy but the journey continues :)
@@xMissTix im black in the netherlands too. Trust me i totally understand both of you and for me the same
Facts
@@xMissTix Yes I have heard that it's not easy to home school in the Netherlands. My daughter is 4 now and I hopeni can get the permit for home schooling. But I want to move this year so then it will be mutch easier to do home schooling in a foreign country. I need the slow living and the sun like I had in Curacao, so moving is the only option for me. thx for sharing your story💜🙌🏾
@@Yoniverse666
May you have many more blessings on your move there!! Heard in the UK around 100 Black British a month flee to Africa's countries never to return and happy for it. The racism, cold weather and issues in schools got on their last nerves. These western schools do hold back black children and certainly don't teach real black history.The video below came up in my notification by chance. Glad it did. Also Wode Maya one of the Africans who have many great videos of people from western/eastern countries and caribbean islands moved to Africa too. He traveled to a lot of countries in Africa with many fantastic stories about the people who moved there. Plenty great advices too.
th-cam.com/video/wdodTci1FwA/w-d-xo.html
Great interview, my partner and I are in the same boat, between continuing life in the Western World and finding an affordable solution to be back home. Decisions are tough with kids + career in the balance. Thanks for sharing your story Madame Acheampong.
It's a good decision to move but you need to plan way far ahead....on every aspect....
Hi Anna,
With better planning you can have the best of both worlds, namely living in Ghana and the Netherlands. Your kids will thank you one-day for reinforcing their African heritage by spending a few years in Ghana with them.
Going forward, you may want to invest in an apartment which is not too expensive and you can use as Airbnb to generate supplementary income. You can then visit Ghana for vacations till you are ready to take the plunge. Above all, Ghana is a developing country but with better planning you will enjoy living here. Cheers!
Ghana is very expensive. Even just relying on shopping from local establishments and nearest market. Prices are not controlled.
Other African countries like SA, or Kenya are actually cheaper even with the higher tax.
School standards are not up to par with the fees paid. We are even in the Adenta area and the next best school in Madina is 2000 usd a term. The kid is just 4.5. I found a few government schools, but the GES curriculum does not allow for critical thinking and reasoning. Of course one could argue that other kids go those schools and turn out just fine, but international standard exams like SAT, GMAT or GRE tell a different picture of what the education system produces.
I do agree however that better planning even with the fees could have helped stretch funds further. Maybe housing further out of town but with a longer commute to schools? Or if the school had a pick up and drop off service?
I would strongly advise buying a property for rental that u can come and stay in urself on your next extended stay, or better still for ur children. My parents built a house 30yrs ago and have never lived in it, yet I was the one who moved in.
All the best of luck back in the Netherlands.
Food for thoughts.....
@@gcbaby100 the main problem is living comfortably in Africa like you are used to and on no income is the issue.
I just want to add that it was watching The Acheampongs videos in ghana durring confinement that kepted us all going I think we will all miss that. We grateful 🙏 to u and your family.
Well said Anna. "Build the house and then move". That is exactly what we are doing in Tema. Our house is almost done 80%. We will be moving soon from the States to Ghana and enjoy the best of both countries. Sad to hear you guys leaving.
Agree. I stayed in Ghana for 2 years at the same time Anna did. Tema is nice 👌
Marriage can be tough. I wish them the very best moving forward. I hope they can find a solution that works well for the whole family.
Is tough because it not meant for everyone
I enjoyed this video. Anna was so transparent.
Please note: If or when you do decide to build a house, do NOT build on your family property/land. The legal implication if you do is that when you pass(God forbid), the house built on family property (regardless the fact that all moneys spent were yours) belongs to the family i.e inclusive of extended family and not your children.
hmmm sad
Thank you for a usefull and important information.
What kind of law or tradition is that! Children of the deceased must have a right to assume ownership of the home.
Anna, thanks for sharing your story . It’s never easy to transplant yourself into another country with a complete different social economic architecture over night . You’re not a failure , and don’t blame yourself or anyone for the prevailing situation.There’s always another time and many opportunities . The beautiful thing is that you have a recognisable face ,voice and network of valuable friends in Ghana , another try next time will be much easier . My prayers for you and your family. I wish you peace ☮️
Putting jokes aside.. Ghanaians live really wealthy lives. It's unbelievable how expensive Ghana is. I told my friends after returning from the United States its cheaper than Ghana and they don't believe me.
It's strange because I experienced the same thing, a kind of withdrawal after returning to the US. I was on vacation in Ghana trying to see what it will take to make a permanent move there...after returning, I am more determined to move than ever. There's something about the spirit of the people, the peacefulness, the sun...that just makes me feel at home...its hard to explain.
Same thing I felt
The SUN, food and the people make so much of a difference to anyone’s psyche
It really is. Addicting. The positives outweigh the negatives.
As long as you manage your spending in Africa you will be fine. Folks get caught up trying to flex out of an Eurocentric Inflated ego b/c they're in Africa but you were driving a Kia Forte in the US. Also, medical system is based on your ability to pay so make that reserve budget count.
@@gabo.4355 Well said !
This is probably the most honest, sincere and sound feedback about Ghana from @anna. Life in Europe is way cheaper than life in any African country. But most people moving to Africa want to live a lifestyle they can't afford in their current circumstances.
As an Ethiopian living abroad, I can so relate to her point about how expensive it is to live in Africa. I can't speak for any other African country per se but I just visited the Capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa and buying a house in a centrally located area is ridiculously expensive. Interest rate banks offer after putting down 30% is anywhere from 8% -12% for diaspora, and 14% for local citizens. I think the Acheampong family made the right decision and when it is the Lord's time and according to His will, they may build their dream home in Accra one day.
yes, this! i wish to one day have a house in Addis and be close to my family as well...but right now i can't afford it!
You shouldn't live in the capital, there should be cheaper lands outside Addis.
Addis Ababa is extremely expensive...but at least you get loans.
In Nigeria,houses are only expensive in the highbrow parts of Lagos and Abuja,most people buy land and just build in estates or suburbs,mostly all cash.
In ethiopia everything is expensive Even food is expensive than europe while minimum wage is under 100 dollar a month
@@homiedclown1885 There is no running water no electricity no good road
Wow... what she said about Vitamin D... and being in Ghana... That's Amazing to me, because it Correlates with Black/Caribbean/African People trying to live in Colder Countries... Yes it definitely effects us Mentally and Emotionally.
Actually people of other ethnicities have this same problem during the winter months. There are lights like she mentioned to help with lack of sunshine.
Sweden use artificial lights during the time where its less daylight to combat moods.
Very candid conversation. I think Ghanaians in the diaspora could relate to the dilemma of choosing between wherever they are based in the West and Ghana. Tough on bodies and minds.
I love her honesty on relationship and conflicting interests. It's not easy!!!
I hope and pray you stick together as a family. May God bless you and your family in your new environment
Thank you Achampong family for your hard work and support by putting Ghana into the map of the world 🌎 🙏
SAD is such a real thing! The past few years i’ve struggled with it too. You’re not alone with that, so hang in there!
I am of South indian Sri lankan decent. Vanessa and The Acheampong family vlogs are fun to watch and quite useful. I wish Acheampong family good luck and things are going to turn out great for them. As for schooling, We have expereincce of attending schools in West Africa. My father enrolled us in a local school and not in an international school. Looking back, i think he did a great thing by doing it. We enjoyed the local culture, learned something from it and met some great people. Honestly there are some good local schools in West Africa and We paid very little. But Acheampong is right, there might be lots of competition or there might be long lineup to get in. Thanks Vanessa for the great Vlog!
For your information not all good schools in Ghana are found in Accra.
Cape Coast has most of the best schools in Ghana.
There are also good schools in Takoradi and Kumasi so you could live outside Accra and still provide good education for your children.
She is talking about primary school. Cape coast has good secondary schools
Thank you so much for speaking about SADS. It’s not spoken about enough.❤️
Such a candid interview. Really brave of her explaining and opening up to the internet about such private situation. All the best to the Acheampong family with their next endeavor
I love how honest Anna always is. I stayed in Ghana myself with 3 kids for 9 months and I can tell you that it is the worst decisions I ever made in my life. My kids were miserable ( hard to find kids friendly activities, or place without not spending money). Ghana is really expensive and most people are mean. And I also believe the light skinned and whites are celebrated and respected more. I’m sorry to say but people are very rude , no respect at all. You can get anyone to help you with small thing without them not demanding for money or expecting something in return. Before you move with kids really make sure everything is set. And Anna is right the schools are so expensive. I felt as if school is the money maker business for everyone there. They don’t really care about the well being of the kids, their emotional and mental well beings. Don’t even get me started about traffic and the police man and their rip-off and crazy driving. Sorry to say but Ghana is all about money. Ghana has been sold to the westerners and the real Ghanaians are struggling to make it, and that has made most of them to cold hearted. The citizens are tired.
I feel like u r in my head. S😂🤣!!!
Sad reality…
😢
You are right , same thing happening in Nigeria as well.
sad truth
I’m so glad you interviewed her about this. I’m finally finding out the truth
as if you are not sitting next to her looool.
@@VanessaKanbi 💀💀💀
Hahahhhha 🥰
You can never find out the truth, my dear. Deep down they know the truth.
Glad to see Anna but I was so disappointed when the family relocated back to the Netherlands. I do understand that strategically and financially things did not work out. I was planning to move to Ghana based off of some of her critiques but not anymore. I plan to visit more often as opposed to living there. I could do 6 months on and off. Vanessa you are gem. Keep giving us all the info about Ghana.
@@TheChariot99 Yes indeed. Or healthy investment accounts. Moving to any country without sufficient funds to sustain one in the lifestyle to which one has become accustomed is bound to be difficult.
If the Acheampongs arrived with enough funds to purchase a home or two (eg one for rental income) in an area of their choice and near an international school of their choice, they would probably still be in Ghana. Kevin could have taken the job for additional income and they would have lived comfortably.
@@TheChariot99 i just listened to these Acheampong family and some other people who couldnt stay in Ghana and it all boils down to one thing..they didnt live within their means..You cant just move to any country without any plan..if you want to move to Ghana or anywhere in Africa, you need a steady flow of income..Some of them live in 1 or 2bedroom apartment in europe or America but want to get a whole house for themselves when they move to Ghana..it was lack pf proper planning on their part..People who plan well are able to stay in Ghana permanently..
I did the same and moved my children. They went to Cyto schools but i hire good teachers to tutor them. We came back and forth. We made it finally
I think Kevin is smart, put the kids first let them have a balanced education in Europe and for him to continue on his career journey as he is the Man and ultimately the provider of his family 👪.
+ Anna I remember you saying you had also enrolled finish your degree. So I think that you made the best decision for all of you. Do the foundation things 1st then in 5yrs time you can reassess. As Ghana is not going anywhere. But Kevin is right renting is throwing money down the drain wherever you are in the world. ❤ All will b well you guys can still visit once or twice a Yr.
I appreciate your transparency Anna. All the best to you & your family!
That was very candid of (Ana).....sometime, it takes one time, two time, or even three time trial to get it the way you really want it to be, wish her the best in their future decisions.
Great interview Nessa girl, I’m going to miss them not being in Ghana that’s clearly where she wants to be and I thought the kids looked very happy. I guess it’s true coming from the West that you’ll need multiple legs of income back home before embarking on such way of life in Ghana if you’re planning to stay. Bye Anna good luck to the family 👋🏾
Moving to Africa is exciting but it has its own challenges. To live comfortably, it’s wise to go & retire there while you live on your pension money. For young couples or young people, it’s wise to plan for a business that will sustain you. Thanks Anna for sharing your honest & sharing from experience.
Awww! I feel so sad watching this interview. I pray for fund and God’s wisdom for Anna and her family going forward. Her channel brought joy to many of us and I wish her joy and love.
This was very insightful, thank you Anna and Vanessa ❤️
Wondering if they thought about mortgage options with a bank. Our homes in Ghana were bought with a bank. Granted the interest was high, but our plan was to pay it off in less than 5 yrs which we did. Moving to ghana is definitely not a figure it as you go thing. It took my husband and I 5 yrs or so to finally move and that was because we wanted to ensure our house was finished and had a car to avoid renting and taking taxis/Uber or trotros (as small as that May sound, it accumulates over time) Anna’s experience is real and hope we all learn something from it.
Can you take me through your process? People say it’s very very difficult to do. How did you manage ?
@@tjkpekpe6944 Depends on how much money you have on arrival. If have enough, it's easy to make choices about where to live, schooling, travel etc
@@tjkpekpe6944 sure thing! Are you referring to the move itself or the mortgage process for getting a house?
@@BarbL09 the mortgage aspect
@@tjkpekpe6944 got it! It was pretty simple and not that difficult for us honestly. Just to caveat, this was our personal experience we lived in the states at the time, and it may be different for folks who live in different countries. With that said, this was our steps: We chose houses that were being built by developers. This was our preference because we lived in the States at the time and didn’t have the means or family members to manage a home building project. We started off researching developers we could trust - years in business, toured and lived in some of their already built homes, spoke to folks who owned homes by these developers etc). After we settled on a developer we contacted banks that provided 20+ years of mortgage plan payment options to give us flexibility in paying back. We researched online, and called the banks to confirm the info we read on their site and decided to visit them when we made it to Ghana in person. FYI developers have their own payment schedules that you can pick from, But those payment plans are quite frankly ridiculous. Some developers also have partnerships with banks that you can choose from.We finally settled on a bank and started the paperwork. FYI if you are not a Ghanaian citizen and are not employed in Ghana, The banks are not willing to pay 100% of your loan. For our bank, they were only willing to pay 70% of the loan and we pay the 30%. All banks have their thresholds but the bank we went for was 70/30. So we made the 30% payment to the developer after we completed application with them, and then went through the application with the bank. We had gone through a mini preapproval process with the bank so we knew we would be approved before we made our 30% deposit with a developer. The application process for the bank is similar to any house purchase process that is, they will need you to complete an application, Provide them with paystub’s, credit report from any of the credit agencies, Bank statement, Offer letter from your employer, The confirmation from the developer that we made our 30% payment and I believe a letter we received from the developer with our next steps. I believe that was all they required. We were Approved in about a week and they connected with the developer directly for additional documentation which all happened in the backend and the final 70% payment was made to the developer once the house was complete. We started making payments to the bank A month after the completion of the house and I believe the payment at the time was about $900 with interest which we paid more every month and was able to pay off in about 2.5years. We bought our second home using the same bank and because we had developed a relationship with that bank they decided to pay for 90% of the mortgage loan versus the 70% the first time. This process was over five years ago so I’m sure the process has progressed in a better way by now. I will highly recommend you look into it if this is something you’re interested in do some research go to the banks, talk to the mortgage mortgage processing team and to figure out what will work best for you. Hope this helps.
I appreciate Anna's transparency. Loved watching her and her family explore and live in Ghana.
My once favourite people on TH-cam. I miss her calmness and articulating skill.
Thank you for sharing Anna. In the meantime, you can do what Vanessa used to do and come during the holidays.
This is an excellent interview. I thought Vanessa would be timid with her questions, but she came right out with them, especially when Anna described the sacrifices Kevin made in terms of his career. I didn't even know think Anna would even answer the question, but she did in a frank manner.
It’s important to live within your means and have realistic goals and views. I wish them luck Where ever they go.
This was a very open and honest conversation. I enjoyed watching/listening to this. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt here. All the best to them!
I'm moving to Ghana soon and I'm not moving in until my business is self-sufficient. In addition, I'm not moving abruptly, but only gradually to adjust well
Basically, they did the typical thing some people moving to Ghana do: they treated it like a holiday. A fraction of the amount they spent per year could have been invested in local enterprise, thereby bringing some income in while the job situation got sorted out. Ghana is as expensive as you want it to be.
And if you try to live a luxurious lifestyle in Ghana you will spend more than if you tried the same thing in Europe. Basic amenities can be surprisingly costly.
If you plan on moving to Ghana, shop where the locals shop. If you try to get food from the mall you might spend twice as much. And instead of using the expensive private schools, get them remote tutoring with Abeka Academy. A commenter mentioned them above and they seem good. And most importantly, if you are yet to get a job, have a budget. Get a small car to move around in, and get an apartment which is clean and spacious but isn't extravagant. The less money you spend on basic necessities the longer you would be able to live in Ghana.
My children weren't happy either. They're teenagers. I had to come back to the states for them after being in Ghana for 2 years as well. I am feeling your struggles. Although, my husband and I built a house.
Too late to go to Africa as a teenager
Vanessa this is such an informative video, it shows and reveals many issues around Africans living in the diaspora and the challenges experienced by young families willing to return home. However the greatest point that came across to me was what amazing parents the Acheampong and Kanbi family are. Thank you both for being strong enough in your characters to be so vulnerable and yet remain wholehearted to the true African/ Ghanaian Character of Raising a Family, personal sacrifice is so evident in the Acheampong family's decision to return to the West. Rally back Acheampong's, the challenges are not new anymore.
A
There are a lot of good international schools outside Accra, even some are better than the accra schools and also you can get a mortgage in Ghana as well, i think you need explore more
Anna , you are always HONEST! Thank you for being you without suger coating anything. Good luck to you and the family 💞💞
Anna is so authentic,she keeps it real I like that
To be Frank I was born in gh but grew up in the western world.. In terms of school we learn too much unnecessary stuff n it's difficult too compared to Europe.. So not surprised she moved her kids but if u survive in Ghana u can survive everywhere academically 😁 God bless u in ur next steps.
Same for Côte d’Ivoire …I went to Canada for the last part of my high school and it’s nothing compare to how difficult it’s was in Côte d’Ivoire… I felt lucky cuz 😅
Thank you Anna for being so honest. Life is a learning proces. I wish your family the best😘.
Loved this video so much! Ana was super vulnerable and honest…mad respect to her for balancing her family life with her own! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I LIVE IN THE CITY IN THE USA
THE BEST SCHOOL FOR MY CHILD STARTED AT HOME 🎓
You can take your time to build your dream home.
Still educate your children abroad and bring the children every year or 2years to maintain their culture.
I wish I did that with my children.
Anna, thank you for sharing your story. You and your family are brave. You followed your dream and tried. I let fear rule me and I hate it.
I love the energy in this video. A lot of honesty too!
Love how transparent you were about your mental health! So so important
Wow ... A wholesome conversation. I hope it serves it's purpose to other expats who wanna come live in Ghana/Africa in General.
However, with the sch thing Anna mentioned, trust me there are also good schools outside the City which can rub shoulders with the ones in Accra.
Vanessa speaks so well . i love her Scottish accent . I love Anna's way of talking too . Anna is so well spoken . I was glad to see Kevin in between. Vanessa , please interview my dream man Kevin. I want to hear from him , Vanessa .
Thanks for this video. We used to live in Africa - Cote d'Ivoire and Ethiopia until 2007. We left due to political, security and health concerns and other complications, although we were sorry especially to leave our lovely affordable rental home with pool and garden in Cote d'Ivoire. We had planned to return to Africa after a short time but became too attached to NYC. NYC ended up being more expensive than expected but we were very attached. There was so much for families to do in NYC and we got carried away. with Manhattan. I wish we had moved outside of Manhattan where it was cheaper and eventually returned to Africa earlier. Now with covid, everything is more complicated and expensive and also nowhere is like it was years ago pre-covid.
So cool your videos I discovered you through wode Maya's channel.
I'm half Swedish and half african from french Guinea.
My mom is white and my father is black.
So cool to share these bonds with you!!!!
Best of luck With your work I will continue following you.
Anna likes the freedom and luxury in Ghana with house help and more, if she can't afford that. And the family's choices are based on her needs most of the time. And once she doesn't have that, Depression sets in. It's normal to have adjustment disorder. I will say Anna has adjustment disorder. Just get a big land outside Accra, build some 3 bedroom on it, leave there and spend the money to travel to the desired school for the children. It will help save money
What an amazing video. I’m living in both sides of the world the western country is more expensive to live in . Living in Europe you get to pay your rent every month but in places like Nigeria etc your rent on yearly basis, buying a land and building your own house is applicable on both sides of the world if you plan really well and the best thing to do is get out of the city and live in the suburbs way cheaper . You can hardly get a mortgage in Africa to buy your own house while over here you will need to provide 10% up front for your mortgage and the bank provide 90% remember you are paying back the bank every month with the certain amount agreed so it’s not like you own the house outrightly. I can go on and on my advice is everyone should have a plan and live within their means weather home or abroad.
Anna, thanks for being open. I think you missed out on an opportunity. You and Kelvin could have started a school outside Accra. You could've got some of your friends from The Netherlands to help you setup the school. There many other people in similar situation as you; wants to live in green areas and need a school for their children. You could've bridged that gap and also make lots of money.
All the best in your future endeavors.
You also want to see the positives. I am sure their experience in Ghana will give they and their children an invaluable experience and memories that will live with them forever. Such is life: it is filled with ups and downs that you should learn from. They are still relatively young. They will be fine.
When we lived in Finland we were students/cleaners and were used to very modest way of living. It kinda helped that we were just in the beginning of our career (and life in general) and had not gotten accustomed to any certain standard of living. It was easier to adjust to a simple way of life. When you adopt local way of life and move outside the rich areas it is not that expensive. There was a time when water and electricity was scarce and that made me wanna move out. So we left for two years. I felt really empty coming back to FInalnd. Maybe reverse culture shock and the darkness and all that loneliness. When we came back things were a lot better.
Anna's english has improved a lot!
Now you guys living in Abroad will understand we that living in Ghana now, living in Ghana is not easy, is not only about happy but income
There is absolute difference between holidaying and actually living in Ghana - it's madly too expensive considering what you get as services and amentities!
Anna is so real. The only reason I was able to move was because I had funds to build and my kid goes to a local private school so it's a little westernized(activities, play area, etc) but the children are all from here(Senegal). It's tough having the best of both worlds, I glad she at least gets to travel back for work.
I appreciate the honesty in this video and the fact that it’s just life sometimes. Sometimes you try new things and immediately succeed. Sometimes you try something and need to regroup and try again or change direction. That’s life. I hope the family settle in The Netherlands and find happiness and success there. Packing up and moving your life to a new country isn’t easy whether temporary or not.
How do you know they are being honest?
A few years ago, they were doing videos on how amazing Ghana was.
@@time4advancement244 A few years ago, they made videos about an extended stay in Ghana, not planning on living there full term. When the reality of the situation hit, their perspective changed. That’s not dishonesty, that’s a change in direction.
Seriously, the negativity I see spewn in the comments is disgusting. Like you’ve never tried something and it not gone the way you anticipated. Only difference is you weren’t brave enough to post for the world to see and comment.
@@KiraiBK You sound triggered, calm down, have the Achempong family ever paid your light bill?
Thanks for being so Truthful . Good luck with the decision you have Both made. God Bless
Is good that Anna has told the true story of up and going to live in GH, for a while I was thinking you guys i.e. those who have a choice to up and go back to where they were originally living, with their house awaiting was not seeing or experiencing the real GH. I'm seeing in Vanessa eyes that the grass may not be as green and the struggle is the same everywhere. I think if one is willing to drop down some of their expectations and take GH as it comes then maybe it may work
Build for both!!! If you are in the Netherlands use it for business and then you block it out when you come for vacation. Build a practical house . Minimal with maybe three rooms that can be converted into an office space if the kids are too grown or don’t want to live in Ghana. All the best!
Long live Ghana. A Nation with a lot of potential.
Ghana is not expensive. You can live a common life if yoy have a job. I prefere to walk trotro or taxi. No need to have a big house with a pool and to take care about the family is one of the most important things in our lives. If we do not do it we will never be happy no matter how much D vitamins we get…
It's all about the lifestyle
@@abeck0856 I think it is more about how one value the reality and selfishness.
Going to miss you so much 😭❤️❤️❤️
we'll still love to see you tube vids of your fam and life in Holland... GH loves your family...best wishes
Point of correction, african countries don't cost more, that is just ghana, african countries are cheaper. Nigeria for example is far more cheaper than ghana.
Wow I watch both channels but this video just made me subscribe to both channels
The transparency of Anna and the interview skills of Vanessa 👌
Wow Anna...I admire ur openness...wish u and Kevin the very best
@The Acheampong Family - very transparent; thanks for the insight.
Vanessa...never stop what you are doing is mind blowing..go higher always!. Mad love
I really appreciated her honesty. Thank you ladies.
Beautiful convo, beautiful women with beautiful families. Very insightful. Peace
I’ve only watched bits and pieces of their videos during peak of covid and shutdowns. I give them respect for leaving the comforts of a 1st world country to live in Ghana. That takes courage and strength. I’ve been debating for years as to whether I can go back to live in the 3rd world country of my birth. I saw do many young ppl on TH-cam take that risk. At the very least, we saw the pros and cons of transitioning. Kudos to them!!! Especially whilst with children. Thanks to these vibrant individuals including Vanessa for giving me that exposure.
Developing not 3rd world anymore.
Dear Diasporas, we don't live on credit in Ghana or Africa, if you wanna move here, have other sources of income that brings in money regularly e.g retirement benefits, pension, other hustles when you move here and continue to live basic until you know the system and have connects. Don't move down renting mansions, living larger than you were abroad. You will be running back to the snow and the credit systems of the west where you will work until you die. Coming every December for a month and living large is different from moving back permanently AND with kids.
I love Ghana, I can’t wait to move to Africa, I have land in Takoradi beach front! Anna I do hope you and your family come back to stay in Africa, there other continents also!❤️
Thanks Vanessa 😀 That was great video advise it's best to have your own property than rental, every were is expensive Anna I felt sorry for her, that's why Wode Maya and Tayo
Always say it's best to have your own business , invest within your Country build your own home.