We are not earning $5000 in a month, but we are doing well financially – Ghanaians in South Africa react to xenophobic attacks
Speaking on Kessben FM, Owuraku Obeng Boadi revealed that several Ghanaians living in South Africa say their financial situation is often misunderstood.
According to him, during a discussion with host Wofa Kofi Appiah, some migrants emphasized that while they are managing to survive, the reality is far from the widely assumed prosperity.
“We are not earning $5000 in a month, but we are doing good financially,” he quoted them as saying.
The remarks come amid recurring reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, a country that has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence against migrants over the years. Analysts link such tensions to economic pressures, unemployment, and resentment toward non-citizens perceived to be competing for limited opportunities.
For many Ghanaians abroad, the statement reflects a desire to correct narratives that portray them as wealthy outsiders. Instead, they describe a modest but stable livelihood built through small businesses, informal work, and community support systems.
Observers say such perspectives highlight the need for broader dialogue and accurate representation of migrant experiences, as misinformation can sometimes fuel hostility.
