Ghanaian journalist and author Nana Ama Adu-Kwapong has launched her latest book, Beyond the Green Pastures, which delves into the lives of Ghanaian migrants navigating love, loss, and heartbreak in London. The 75-page book, unveiled at a ceremony in Accra, draws from Adu-Kwapong’s dissertation on the work experiences of skilled migrant women in the UK, highlighting the challenges of skills mismatch and the emotional toll of migration.
Adu-Kwapong explained that her research revealed many Ghanaian women with higher education qualifications working in fields unrelated to their studies, leading to a significant underutilization of their skills. This realization prompted her to explore the broader motivations behind migration and the often harsh realities faced by those who leave their home countries in search of better opportunities.
Beyond the Green Pastures tells the stories of five Ghanaian friends who migrated to the UK for different reasons, shedding light on their struggles and the compromises they made to survive in a foreign land. The book touches on themes of faith, identity, and the anxiety that comes with living as an undocumented migrant in the West, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the migrant experience.
Adu-Kwapong’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thorough research and planning before embarking on a journey abroad. She advises potential migrants to consider the economic challenges faced by Western nations and to weigh their options carefully before making such a life-changing decision.