A 45-year-old man did not leave anything to chance when he lost his vision about 9 years ago to glaucoma, a development which robbed him of his livelihood.

To make ends meet, Godwin Kwashie abandoned his Kente trade in Accra and settled in the Afadzato South District community of Leklebi Agbesia to engage in farming.

It has been a struggle to support his 3-member family on proceeds from the sales of his harvest.

“After some time, I noticed I was losing my vision, so I had to move to Vakpo with my mother and later to Agbesia due to a lack of food and land for farming”, he explained.

He cultivates varied food crops on small scales, sells a portion of his harvest, and stores the rest for use at home.

His farm measures about 2 acres, with maize occupying a major portion, while cassava and okra are being cultivated on the rest of the land.

Godwin prays for financial support to expand his farm to maximize profit and enhance his livelihood.

“I will need spraying machines, agrochemicals, Wellington boots, and fertilizer. These items would help me increase yield. The other day I stepped on something, which coiled around my leg. It was my wife who informed me that it was a snake after I shook it off. If I were to wear a Wellington boot, I would not be scared".

While on the farm, Mary, Godwin’s wife said she had corn on the fire, which she would sell to finance the evening meal.

Back home was their son, who has speech and hearing impairment. He couldn't stay at the special school he was enrolled in, hence returned home a few weeks ago.

He sometimes accompanies and helps the mum to sell maize among others to support the family.

Mary hopes to receive some financial aid as well to expand her trade to enhance the livelihood of the family.

Mary said “I accepted to marry him when he proposed to me. I do all his heart desires. I sell Agbeli Kaklo, maize, and other farm produce to support him. I need money to sell frozen foods or buy cassava for my trade”.

The Ghana Blind Union Association in the Afadzato South District has lauded the hard work of Godwin.

The association believes a little push in his farming ventures would enable him to better take care of his family.

Meanwhile, there are many others in the Afadzato South District who are not being held back by their conditions. They are bracing the odds just like Godwin to make ends meet.