Returnee Questionnaire
Name: Wisdom Peter Awuku Age: 41 years
1. How long have you been away from Ghana?
1 year
2. Which country did you return from? Germany
3. What is your profession?
A Journalist
4. Did you gain any vocation/ qualification before returning to Ghana?
Yes, stomach a Diploma in Journalism
5. Did you learn something new that has influenced you now?
Yes, Germans are noted for their time consciousness. How to keep time, be on time and be orderly
6. What prompted you to return?
I’ve always wanted to live and work in my country. I came back to build my country with my experience and qualification
7. Why did you travel? For studies
8. Have you had any challenges since returning to Ghana, i.e. reintegration, finding a job, accommodation etc.?
It took a while for the reintegration process. Integration is in two folds for me: the quest to be on my own and then otherwise. It therefore wasn’t difficult for me to reintegrate
9. What would have made your return easier/smoother?
There is nothing called easy or smooth return. The transition and how to live with it comes with a little discomfort. When you have to do something on your own, it takes time to know your bearings to reintegrate
10. Have you received any support from your family/state/friends since your return?
They were rather expecting from me.
11. Will you go back after your project?
No, I’ve never thought of that. There 3 things that would take me out of my country-education, official duty and probably holiday
12. How do you expect the DSU to assist the Ghanaian Diaspora?
I think the DSU and for that matter MFA, should have offices in the embassies across the world so that they will devote time on resources to deal with the diaspora. Experience have shown that staff of the embassies do not show concern when diaspora community call on them for assistance due to their lack of requisite skills
13. Any advice and suggestions for potential returnees?
Yes, for those coming back home, since it’s a matter of time for them to resettle, they should plan properly so that they don’t get disappointed and want to go back. They have to put a lot of effort into their coming back; they should be able to appreciate the situations on the ground to be able to live within it.
Thank you