Amanda Tetteh on when the attraction of home becomes overwhelming and the factors people considering returning to Africa must take into account.

With increasing opportunities for business and careers in Africa, the lure of home has become ever stronger for many Africans living in the West.

When does the attraction of home become overwhelming and what factors do people considering returning have to take into account?

ReConnect Africa spoke to Amanda Tetteh, a London-based Local Government Officer, about her plans to move to Ghana in search of a better quality of life and future.

ReConnect Africa (RCA): What made you decide that it was time to think about returning home?

Amanda Tetteh (AT): My husband and I came to the decision rather suddenly. We were at a junction in our lives where our son would soon be moving up to secondary school, and this also coincided with the year when there were several killings of young people. Also we were both at or approaching 40, and looking to the future as to what we could further achieve.

We felt that although living in the UK was rewarding if you worked hard, and that London was a beautiful and diverse city in which to live, it also had its limitations and restrictions as to how far one could achieve or prosper.

When my son was born, my husband purchased some land in Ghana. At the time I thought that would make a lovely holiday home or a place to retire. Bit by bit over the years, we managed to complete the house, and this also coincided with our son moving up to secondary school.

Then we had the light bulb moment; what about living in Ghana! The government was stable and the economy was growing rapidly. We had a mortgage-free home, there were lots opportunities to work hard in your own business there and, most important of all, a safe and disciplined environment in which to raise and nurture a family.

RCA: What have you found to be the main challenges of life in the UK?

AT: We found that we work hard and for that we are suitably rewarded; however there is a glass ceiling in this country. Yes, you can aspire to achieve, but the ratio of ethnic minorities who do so is very limited. .

Also, as a married working family, we feel penalised and restricted as England currently does not support or encourage middle income married couples and, with that, the responsibility of ensuring that we raise a future society filled with balanced individuals.

RCA: What do you anticipate will be the key benefits of home in terms of quality of life and the future?

AT: Mortgage free, Director of a business, first-class education for our children, a safe environment, less stress, progression, overall a better standard of life, more free time to spend with the family, need I go on……?

RCA: How are you and your family preparing for the transition?

AT: My heritage is St Lucian and I was born and bred in England, where a part of my heart will always be. It was really important to us to ascertain as a family that we were making the right decision and we all went back to Ghana in the summer of 2008. Prior to this, I had visited Ghana in 1996 and 2006 and, on both occasions, I thought Ghana would be a lovely place to retire or to spend holidays; especially in 2006 when the growth in construction was remarkable.

When we went back in 2008, the transformation was phenomenal. I felt inwardly charged with the hope of achieving something great. We visited friends and family and I was impressed by their standard of life, (as a working mother, it was great to see the support in place) and the positive images and role models of black people.

We also spoke with other professional people along the way regarding health care, education and business, about all of which their comments were favorable.

We looked at a selection of international schools and found the standards to be comparable with the UK and also the same syllabus was studied. We looked at what avenues of work were available and if our current skills could be transferred, which they could, although we are hoping to establish a business rather than to work for some one else. This would be the preferred choice and something which we would struggle to achieve in the UK.

We were in Ghana for six weeks and during that time the children settled in really well and any preconceptions were dispelled.

RCA: What do you think will be the key challenges for you and your family once you return?

AT: Mosquitoes, language, acceptance, all of which will be overcome by determination, a positive attitude, modern technology and Faith.

RCA: What do hope to take back home as a result of your experiences overseas?

AT: My background is in catering and food safety. In my current role I oversee 25 schools in relation to the school meals service, which also encompasses repairs and maintenance of the kitchens. Once established, I would really like to give something back to the less fortunate, whether that be free school meals or activities for children from all backgrounds, as there is currently a divide which I hope in time will reduce.

RCA: What's the best advice you can offer someone who is thinking of returning?

AT: Don't be afraid. Do your homework, find out how you are going to sustain yourself long term, network, find your USP, (unique selling point).

We are currently only at the infancy of our new adventure. It will be hard but, with perseverance, the rewards will be great, not only from a financial perspective but also in terms of individual personal growth as well as enlightenment for our young family.