myjoyonline is happy to republish the following comment posted by Silas A. Gyamfi (London) on our story “Ghanaian returnee warns youth away from Qatar jobs”, posted on Thursday. We have done this for its moral lesson. The "abrokyere" saga My simple advice to fellow young Ghanaians is that you have to make sure you are fully prepared if you want to travel. Verify any information you have from reliable sources before it’s too late. If you want to travel, please stay away from Asia, the Middle East or Eastern Europe. Many people advice against travelling but I think that is wrong. Succeeding here in the West all depends first on your work experience and education. Most people think just a degree from Ghana would do but they get stuck here. A combination of rich experience and tertiary education is the key. I came here with an HND and a couple of certificates from America. When my temporary work visa was about to expire and I informed my employers of my intention to go back home they went heaven and earth to get me a renewal. This was all because of my contribution to the company and my rich experience. Brothers we have a big problem in Ghana. I was hated for my confidence and knowledge when I worked down there, but the same character earns me a lot of money here. I don’t blame anyone for wanting to leave Ghana but please don’t get to those dangerous places. Most Ghanaians would say that our certificates are not recognised. My question is if so how come people could come here to offer Master Degrees with the same Ghanaian First Degree or HND? Our country only assumes a degree from a university is all you need. Over here it is your ability to use your education and your proven track record. Simply be prepared and have something to offer. These days you will have to prove a lot of things for a work permit. My advice is, get the education first, then get some experience and if possible get a little more education from the West. How do you expect to get a job here as a mechanical engineer if you cannot repair any machine you are given, not even your car? Such engineers won’t get anywhere here. The people of Abossey Okai, Kokompe and Suame in Ghana can do better than our engineers from the universities and yet we give these people no regard. I am glad to be out of there and I wish a lot of people could as well. Finally our authorities should make sure our dignity is upheld by whoever wants to engage Ghanaian labour. Good morning.