When Mark Wilberforce was 16, he thought a trip to Ghana for summer holidays was just a brief getaway from London. His mother, concerned about his negative influences and behavior in the UK, surprised him with a life-altering announcement: he would not be returning until he had earned sufficient GCSE qualifications.
Wilberforce’s situation draws parallels with a recent case in which a British-Ghanaian teenager sued his parents for sending him to school in Ghana, citing feelings of entrapment. Such sentiments resonate with Wilberforce, whose upbringing in the London Borough of Brent put him in precarious situations that could easily lead to crime. While his friends fell into serious legal troubles, Wilberforce was shifted to Ghana—a move he initially viewed as punishment.
Despite the resentment he felt toward the chores and routine imposed by his family in Ghana, he ultimately discovered that the strict lifestyle fostered resilience and perspective. He vividly recounts the discipline instilled through early mornings spent cleaning cars and the hard work associated with preparing meals without modern conveniences.
While living with his uncles, he received one-on-one educational support at a local state school and became immersed in the culture. Unlike the boy in the UK who criticized Ghana’s education system, Wilberforce found it challenging yet rewarding—a stark contrast to his previous education in London.
The rigorous curriculum forced him to dedicate himself to studying, and he eventually achieved five GCSEs, a milestone he credits in part to the discipline and values learned in Ghana. The community environment reinforced respect for elders and contributed significantly to his personal growth.
Over time, he learned to appreciate the cultural richness of Ghana, from its cuisine to its social fabric. His experience reshaped his identity as a Ghanaian, and he cultivated a love for local dishes, especially waakye, which became a symbol of comfort and connection to his roots.
Reflecting on the past after the recent passing of his mother, Wilberforce recognizes that, while he felt trepidation at the time, her decision to send him to Ghana diverted him from a potentially destructive path. The education and discipline he acquired there allowed him to successfully reintegrate into society in the UK, allowing him to pursue a career in journalism.
Now a freelance journalist, Wilberforce expresses immense gratitude for the life lessons learned in Ghana. His experience exemplifies how parental intervention, even when met with resistance, can forge a brighter future for young individuals navigating challenging circumstances.
