"Growing up, I was faced with financial constraints and life wasn't so easy", Director at the Institute of Statistical, Social & Economic Research (ISSER) of University of Ghana, Professor Peter Quartey says.

Recounting some peculiar moments he went through as a child, Prof. Quartey stated that in order for his family to stand on its feet, he had to assist by selling food items and other products.

According to him, he sold eggs, sugarcane and others whiles schooling at the Junior High level.

Interacting with Ayisha Ibrahim on Personality Profile on JoyNews, he stated: "Growing up, we had to sell things to support our parents or guardians so I've sold a few things. I had to sell a few things to come and support home while combining that with schooling. I've sold soaps, sugarcane, Omo, eggs and several things.

"We took them round the neighborhood. We had a market, we took them to the market after which you have to learn. But that was before secondary school."

He noted that is wasn't uncommon to see children on the streets hawking to make ends meet.

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"I also met some of my mates who were selling. There was a lady I met selling cooking oil. Honestly, I couldn't believe it because I thought she was from a very good home," he added.

This, he said helped many children to attend schools and have the opportunity to be formally educated.

For Professor Peter Quartey, life was not easy even at the tertiary level. He studied at the University of Ghana, Legon.

On the show, he spoke of how he had to let go of a dream where he had the perfect sendoff from Legon. He simply wanted a good suit to wear and a party to celebrate his efforts. According to him, he loved studying.

But due to financial challenges, he couldn't afford all that.

"The one day I really felt the pinch was when I graduated from the University and for the graduation I wanted some nice suit and big party. That kind of thing. I saw some colleagues whose parents organized big parties for them but that didn't happen for me," he sadly narrated.

But that did not stop him from giving himself a treat. He noted that some colleagues of his came together and threw themselves a well-deserved party to crown their toils at the premier university.

"A few of our mates came together and we organized a party so it overshadowed that feeling. We had a good time so I think that helped."

The Director at the Institute of Statistical, Social & Economic Research (ISSER) of University of Ghana did not grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He spoke of how he saw many people cloaked in poverty in Darkuman, were he lived.