As long as hours of productive time are lost in traffic every day, commuters in Accra’s congested highways are frequently frustrated. However, several traders make their livelihood there as well.
Just as traffic starts to lighten, they display their wares to commuters and occasionally pursue speeding vehicles where a passenger tries to make a purchase. Emmanuel Saakwah, a 24-year-old, is among them.
Every Ghanaian parent wants to see their kids through school and help them grow up to be responsible members of society. For Emmanuel Saakwah, however, who lost his father when he was a little child and has been on his own ever since that is not the case.
The recent graduate of SHS does two jobs: counting the number of imported automobiles that have just been taken from their containers at the Tema Habour, and selling plantain chips to drivers. Emmanuel was orphaned at an early age and is originally from the Central Region of Ghana. In search of a better future, he relocated to Accra.
Emmanuel didn’t know anyone in the capital, so he resided in a rented kiosk since it was the least expensive place he could find. He currently resides in the place of worship. Emmanuel is saving some of the money he makes from his two jobs to complete his education since he wants to become a doctor someday.
“My job at the port is part-time, on days I’m off, I hawk my plantain chips in traffic,” Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel received six As, one B, and a pass on his West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), indicating strong performance.
He’s still holding out hope that he’ll make it eventually, so he can look after his mother and siblings and continue his studies to become a doctor who can save lives.
