Exploring the rich multicultural history of Devon.

Peace Nyahe 

Posted on

15th January 2025

Posted by

Wendy Milne

Posted in

Honiton Community Stories

PEACE NYAHE INITIALLY found her move from Ghana exciting but once in England, she missed her family and questioned her decision. The unfriendliness in her new surroundings heightened her longing for home. Fortunately, her cousin’s wife, Sarah, offered immense support, helping Peace through emotional, physical, and mental challenges.

Peace faced her first experience of racism while working in a Turkish takeaway. A customer refused to be served by her because she was Black, leading to Peace being reassigned to less visible tasks. Her employers were unfair, making her beg for her wages. Her cousin’s wife once had to intervene to get Peace paid. Such encounters, along with incidents of public hostility, highlighted the challenges of racial prejudice.

Moving to Honiton marked a turning point. Peace secured a live-in care job with a welcoming family that made her feel at home. The warmth and acceptance she found there has encouraged her to consider settling in Honiton long-term.

Coming to England significantly improved Peace’s life. As a seamstress in Ghana, she struggled financially. However, the favourable exchange rate in the UK allowed her to build a house for her mother, enrol her children in better schools and support her siblings. This newfound financial stability gave her a sense of accomplishment and the ability to assist others.

Peace also shared insights into her hometown’s cultural traditions, such as the rice festival and the Kusakokor puberty rite. The unique fabrics designed for the ladies undergoing the rite are exclusive to their community, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.

Peace believes it is important to share her story to help others understand the experiences they may face when moving to a different country. She hopes to convey that they are not alone and that a sense of belonging and love can be found in unexpected places.

Her journey highlights the resilience required to adapt to new environments and the importance of support from loved ones and the community.

 

Listen to highlights from Peace’s interview below:

 

Highlight 1: Did I make the right choice? Leaving Ghana and family [00:00:00 -00:00:53]
Highlight 2: Because she’s black… first experiences of racism [00:00:54 – 00:02:24]
Highlight 3:Moving to Honiton felt like I was back home [00:02:26 – 00:03:29]
Highlight 4: Kusakokor – Fabric and Festivals In Ghana [00:03:30 – 00:04:59]
Highlight 5: Why is it important to tell your story? [00:04:59 – 00:05:26]

 

Listen to Peace’s full interview here:

 

Click on the image below to read the transcript from Peace’s full interview