Separating Facts from Fiction

Fast cars. Rumours. Million-dollar deals. Depression. Guns. Private jets.
Love him or hate him, Joseph — better known to many in Poznań as “The Collection” — has lived a life that sounds more like a Netflix script than reality.

We sat down with the man himself to separate facts from fiction.

The Interview

Most people know you from social media and your TV show, The Collection, but what’s your real name?

Bernard Joe Amissah.

So why don’t you go by Bernard? Hiding something?

I’ve always been Joseph since my school days. I’m not even sure why — it just stuck.

Where were you born?

Accra, Ghana.

How old are you?

56

What was your childhood like?

Pretty normal. I was brought up by my mother in the UK — that’s where I was educated.

Tell us about your parents.

We were close. My father worked in the airline industry, and my mother was a cook in a police station. My dad lived in Ghana but would visit us every couple of months.

Are they still alive?

My dad is, but he’s not in great health — he’s had a couple of strokes. My mum passed away when I was about 14.

How did aviation shape your early career?

I was always fascinated. I used to go plane spotting at Heathrow every Sunday, especially at the Queen’s Building. As I got older, I understood more about my dad’s work with Ghana Airways. Spending time with him made me curious, and that curiosity turned into a career.

When did you make your first million?

Around 35 or 36, selling real estate in Marbella.

Do you know any gangsters?

(laughs) Sure. Which country?

Did you deliberately chase wealth and status?

Not really. I focused on my career and being the best I could be. The money came as a result of that.

Before “The Collection,” I heard you went through a very dark period. What happened?

Around 2010 — I went through a divorce, fell into depression, and yes, I was suicidal. I was on antidepressants. I shut down completely and lost everything.

How did things get that low?

I still look back and can’t quite believe it. But it made me who I am today.

Rumours say you’re bankrupt.

Fake news, I’m afraid.

So how did you rebuild?

I reached out to my network back in the day and put my pride aside. That was the smartest move I made.

When did “The Collection” persona begin?

When I moved into City Park in Poznań. They offered me two parking spaces, so I asked about the rest. The woman joked, “You can have them all.” I said, “Fine, I’ll take them.”

Why?

The way she said it — like she didn’t think I could. That moment sparked everything.

And then came the cars and the rumours…

Of course. People said I was the “Prince of Congo,” a drug dealer, that the cars weren’t mine.

Were they?

Every single one.

You’ve always had beautiful girlfriends. Do fast cars attract women or is it something else? Wink wink.

(laughs) Let’s keep it clean. Fast cars attract people — men and women. People appreciate beauty, whether it’s in cars or anything else. That’s what attracts me to cars.

Tell us about the Tate brothers — how do you know them?

During “The Collection” days, I reached out after watching Andrew Tate on YouTube. We connected, and I also spoke with Tristan.

Something about them people don’t know?

When I was going through financial problems, they helped me — no hesitation.

What are they like in real life?

Very caring and considerate. People only see the public persona.

Do you still have contact?

Not recently, but yes, if needed.

Have you ever made money in ways you wouldn’t fully explain?

Lets say I work with foreign governments and heads of state through my network — civil and military. That’s not something I can discuss in detail, but the relationships are strong.

Why did you delete “The Collection” Instagram posts?

They’re archived. I like keeping people guessing. And honestly, it was getting messy — people will talk anyway.

You sold all the cars — why? I heard your money ran out again.

More fake news. It was a liquidation. I moved the money back into aviation.

How much were they worth?

About €3.5 million — plus the Maluch, which was €500.

How do you make money now?

I took my eye off it for too long. Like before — aircraft leasing. Private jets for high-net-worth individuals and governments.

Biggest deal you ever did?

$27 million. I kept about eight. Let’s just say it was a good day at the office.

Are you back to millionaire status?

Rebuilding. Won’t be long.

“Ever had sex in a Ferrari?”

“There’s not much space in a Ferrari—and let’s just say it wouldn’t have been possible with my bebzol.”

So can we expect The Collection 2.0?

For sure. I might only get hypercars this time though. (laughs)

How did your children react when the supercar lifestyle disappeared?

My kids are great. Yes, they’ve been spoiled, but they’re grounded. They know material things don’t define life — and they know what I’m capable of. Wealth can come and go, especially with the network I have.

Biggest regret?

Letting the wrong people get close.

Who’s close to you now?

My partner and a couple of true friends.

Your restaurant Projekt Wilson is doing well. Is it true your son works in the kitchen?

Yes, and I’m very proud. He’s still training but learning fast — he loves it.

You’re from the UK — why no Cumberland sausages on the Full English?

I tried! The early chefs said they were too peppery for Polish tastes. But maybe it’s time to bring them back.

You’ve had some failures in gastronomy. What happened to Mono and Laffa?

I got into the restaurant business by accident — I just love food. But running multiple places was too much. Focusing on one core concept makes more sense.

What’s harder — gastronomy or aviation?

(laughs) Gastronomy, for sure.

If everything disappeared tomorrow, who would still pick up your call?

The people around me now — they’re here for who I am, not what I have. Anyone no longer in my life probably wasn’t a real friend.

Do you have any enemies?

I have powerful friends, so no. Haters, I can handle.

Do you still carry a gun just in case?

Sure. A Walther PDP Compact 9mm.

Final question — what does the future look like?

Rebuild, hand everything over to the kids… and sail off into the sunset with a blonde.

My Opinion

Behind the rumours, supercars and larger-than-life persona is someone who’s lost everything, rebuilt it, and still moves like the story isn’t finished yet. Love him or hate him, Joseph proves one thing — people may talk, but they never stop watching.