Nante Yie, Amanone, Aburokyire: How Ghanaians humorously describe travel abroad

In Ghana, it seems many want to travel abroad in search of greener pastures.

For that reason, the art of ‘Akwatuo’ (travel) has reached a whole new level, as Ghanaians have come up with some interesting, and often humorous ways to describe immigration or travel in the local language.

From “Aburokyire” to “Nante Yie,” the words Ghanaians use to describe foreign lands tell as much about the destination as they do about the traveller.

According to Ghanaian trends, saying you are going to “Aburokyire” means heading to the USA or Canada, dream destinations for those chasing Hollywood glitz, maple syrup, or the elusive “good life.”

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For those claiming, “Mekɔ amanone,” they are referring to countries such as the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and even Norway.

These destinations are often associated with collecting accents, degrees, and the occasional story of getting lost in a European subway for hours.

Meanwhile, trips to the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Dubai, are labelled “Akwantuom.”

These areas are celebrated for their business opportunities, and social media is full of posts flaunting enviable lifestyles, money transfers, and luxury purchases.

For the daring, the phrase “Wo ne Nyame nkɔ,” meaning “you and God only,” is now used for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Israel.

Few openly admit these journeys, but those who do often return with tales of survival and bravery.

Closer to home, the phrase “Nante yie,” which translate to “walk well,” is applied to trips to Nigeria, Togo, Benin, and Somalia.

These travels are focused on trade, family visits, or short business trips, and they often come with the familiar hustle and occasional traffic woes.

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