Croydon Couple Ditches Dubai for Ghana After City Feels 'Plastic'
A Croydon couple who relocated to Dubai to launch a business and raise their family in a warmer climate are now planning a move to Ghana, citing the city's lack of community and a feeling of being "plastic and not real." Jason Kwao, 29, and his wife Sumekka Selliah-Kwao, 28, moved to the Dubailand area in December 2023, enjoying a three-bedroom villa with a pool near a sandy bay. However, less than three years later, the allure has faded, driven by a focus on money and recent missile strikes.
Business Success and Growing Discontent
Jason and Sumekka co-founded Intermast in January 2024, growing it to a value of £1 million within a year after investing their savings. Initially, they thrived in Dubai's hot climate and business opportunities, with Jason working remotely from a previous job that earned £8,000 monthly before tax. They lived a high life with their children, Sofia Amari, five, and Amias, one, but Jason began to notice the city's transactional nature.
He described Dubai as a place where "it's all about work and very transactional," lacking the morals and values he wants to instill in his children. The couple traveled to Tanzania, Ghana, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK in early December, experiencing other cultures. Upon returning to Dubai in February, Jason felt a stark difference, prompting discussions about their future.
Final Straws and New Plans
The death of Jason's brother, Joshua Kwao, 30, coupled with missile strikes that created a "quiet tension" in the city, became the final catalysts for change. The family has put their belongings in storage and returned to Croydon temporarily to plan the funeral, with no intention of booking return flights to Dubai. They are now considering a permanent move to Ghana after a holiday there left them enamored with its community spirit.
Jason emphasized that in Ghana, he observed people finding happiness without material wealth, focusing on family and unconditional love. He stated, "It takes a village to raise a child, and we're looking for that village." While Sumekka still appreciates Dubai, Jason is determined to raise their children in an environment less centered on business and money.
Reflections on Dubai and Future Hopes
Despite acknowledging Dubai's beauty and opportunities, Jason criticized its lack of lifelong friendships and community feel. He said, "Dubai feels a bit more like a business hub where you make money but not lifelong friends." The family's journey highlights a growing trend of expatriates seeking authenticity over affluence, with Ghana offering a promising alternative for those valuing relationships over transactions.
As they finalize their plans from Croydon, the couple remains uncertain but hopeful, aiming to build a life where kindness and love outweigh financial success. Their story underscores the complexities of modern expat life and the search for a genuine sense of belonging.
