(+)Hard work - Minus Eighteen (-18) Workers

(+)Hard work - Minus Eighteen (-18) Workers

Most parents train their ward(s) to work hard in life to be successful. Yes, it is good to work hard to achieve your goals and dreams. But does that mean, our hard work should affect our education and health? Early August, I had the chance to travel to ‘Ameteipe’, a town in Great Ningo. Fishing and farming is the main occupation of the residents, others also travel to nearby towns to engage in other commercial activities. On my arrival, I decided to take a walk to some recreational centers there and precisely have some fun.

On my journey to one recreational center, with my camera tied around my neck, I met a young boy who will be 10 years old if I should guess. And guess what, this young boy was with a machete which is taller than him and a small bowl like himself. I was amazed and broke into laughter.

In an interview, I asked him where he’s coming from and this was the answer.

“I am coming from the farm; I went to farm to get something for the household”. What do you think of this, a 10 year old boy feeding the entire household? That is hard work right, let’s continue with our interview.

Are you the one who should provide food for the entire household?

“I am not the only one, the rest engage in fishing. Others also help in house duties. We all help”

Helping to keep the fitness of a household is not bad but have you considered the health risk?

“I have been trained by my parents so I know; they also started at my age” he added­. Wow, this is awesome, isn’t it? Tradition goes on and on, from parents to child. Keeping the legacy.

Finally, I landed at the beach, where I met couple of fisher folks busy casting their nets into the sea. I joined a troop to make a catch which I regretted. Because I had my palm gashed.

That is hard work they say, I gained some experience though. In the process of making a catch (dragging the net from the sea), we felt that the net was heavy and that made everything tough. We prayed and wished for a bountiful catch but ironically, our net was filled with waste products. Smiles started fading, funny right.

We joke and laugh at all times but there is a friend suffering somewhere who needs attention, a friend who doesn’t know his life is at risk with what he or she is engaged in. We need to stand up, we all have a role to play, start yours now. Change something before something changes you, there is no perfect opportunity or chance to wait for. Create that perfect opportunity now!       

                                                                                                                                                           






Inspired By:

Mr. Kingsley Obeng-Kye
Francis Oko Armah
Gabriel Ashong

Richard Dzikunu
Ato Ulzen - Appiah

Ghana Think Foundation(JC)
Oilseed Investments