Audio By Carbonatix
Life could be difficult such that you need to go the extra mile to achieve your vision.
That explains the life of a level 400 student of the University of Ghana who double as a bus conductor popularly called "Mate" here in Ghana. She offers Information Studies and Psychology at Ghana’s premier university, University of Ghana.
Jocelyn Akorfa Atsoribo is a mother of two who has tried suicide on several occasions, owing to the difficulties she has faced in life.
She became pregnant at the age of 17 after Junior High School education in Hohoe in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Regardless of the difficulties she has faced over the years, she is determined to work hard and improve the lives of herself and her family.
According to her, the bus conducting journey began approximately six months ago when she met Kweku, a bus driver who takes her home from the market on a regular basis whenever she goes there to buy things.
She pointed out that she was into food business, but her landlord advised her to cease selling in front of the building because his sister wanted to use it for something else.
'I started almost six months ago, I was doing a good businesses in front of my house; my landlord gave me the place, but later came saying that his sister will use the place for other businesses. I was home and thinking of what to do because I had bills to pay, my kids are there and my school fees is also another issue.”
“On my last day to the market, the driver's "mate didn't show up so I helped him throughout the day and told him I will work with him. He said I can’t do it but I insisted he gives me three days and see; if i fail to perform she can sack me”, an emotional Akorfa said.
She went on to describe some negative feedback she received about her work, but was not bothered
“My landlord went behind me to tell the driver to prevent me from working with him, but I told the driver, I will do the work and cater for my needs”, she opined.
On combining her education with the job, she said it’s been very demanding, but believes she will thrive at the end of the tunnel.
“At times I go for lectures, but sometimes i don’t. I try reading…its ok doing this because at least it put something [money] on the table"
Ms. Atsoribo, who spoke with zeal, claimed that one of the most difficult aspects of the job was dealing with derogatory words from passengers.
"Definitely you will meet some bad nut, but with this work you have to be tolerant though I lose my cool sometimes but I mostly ignore them".
Akorfa’s employer, Kwaku Boafo (trotro driver), described her as "a very hardworking woman" and supportive.
However, Akorfa’s biggest concern right now is how to pay for her final year's costs, hoping some philanthropists will come to her aid.
She had previously relied on her meager savings and loans, but the current economic environment has made issues difficult for her.
Anyone interested in supporting Akorfa can call 0249059150
Latest Stories
-
It is odd for Ayariga to champion anti-OSP bill without consultation – Dr Asante
11 minutes -
Photos: Vice President welcomes Colombia’s Vice President to Ghana for bilateral talks
25 minutes -
SML case: Court grants former GRA boss, 4 others GH₵50m bail with two sureties
45 minutes -
‘Behind the Lens with Queen Liz’ Launches with bold first episode: ‘There is nobody called Satan’
59 minutes -
Finance Minister proposes incentive plan for tax centres to retain a percentage of revenue collected
1 hour -
Ghana must take galamsey ‘seriously’ to win the fight – Chinese Ambassador
1 hour -
Parliament approves road traffic amendment bill to legalise okada; strengthen safety rules
1 hour -
Kwakye Ofosu defends Mahama’s OSP Bill withdrawal request
2 hours -
Expose and punish those profiting from conflicts — Prof Kwesi Aning urges authorities
2 hours -
Parliament approves GH¢1.6bn budget — MPs insist sum inadequate
2 hours -
MFWA condemns creeping criminalisation of speech in Ghana; calls for urgent reversals
2 hours -
Justin Kodua questions constitutional basis for declared vacancy in Kpandai
2 hours -
JUSAG demands immediate closure of Kwame Danso Court after violent mob attack
2 hours -
Ghanaian food vendors urged to formalise operations
2 hours -
US judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release from ICE custody
2 hours
