A couple from Croydon who moved to Dubai to start a business and raise their family is now considering relocating to Ghana due to their dissatisfaction with the city’s artificial atmosphere and recent missile strikes.
Jason Kwao, 29, and his wife Sumekka Selliah-Kwao, 28, made the move to Dubailand in Dubai in December 2023 for a warmer environment to raise their children. Initially enjoying the luxurious lifestyle in a three-bedroom villa with a pool near a sandy beach, they have now grown disillusioned with the city and are contemplating a change.
Following the passing of Jason’s brother, Joshua Kwao, 30, and feeling a lack of security, the couple has temporarily returned to the UK. They expressed disappointment in Dubai’s focus on materialism and business rather than community values, prompting them to explore other options.
Considering their next move, they are drawn to Ghana after a positive holiday experience in the country, seeking a more communal and family-oriented environment. Jason voiced concerns about Dubai’s emphasis on money and transactions, stating it does not align with the values he wants to instill in his children.
Jason, an entrepreneur from Croydon, initially ventured into e-commerce by selling homeware on Amazon before transitioning to managing higher-value accounts for a monthly income of £8,000. The couple co-founded their own business, Intermast, in Dubai, investing their savings into the venture as it expanded.
Their travels to various countries with their young children raised doubts in Jason about Dubai being their permanent home. The recent tragic events and their experiences abroad have prompted them to reevaluate their priorities, leaning towards settling in Ghana for its community-centric lifestyle and emphasis on relationships over material wealth.
Currently back in Croydon, the family has not finalized their long-term plans but are seriously considering Ghana as their future home. Reflecting on their journey, Jason highlighted the importance of unconditional love and genuine connections, which he believes are more prominent in Africa compared to the transactional nature of Dubai.
Despite acknowledging Dubai’s appeal, they have become more aware of its shortcomings and are seeking a more authentic and fulfilling life elsewhere.
