Hello, my name is Dede Nyansapo. I am an entrepreneur who also participates in Accra’s burgeoning gig economy as a driver. My love for meeting fascinating people and my curiosity about how they think usually places me in the midst of some very entertaining conversations. Invariably, these conversations lead to some key learnings that may be useful to anyone on their business journey.
Episode 17: Hope is all we have
It was a bright Monday morning when I pulled up to a bus stop in Accra, where a young boy who frankly, looked lost, was waiting with an air of nervous excitement. He was dressed in neatly pressed second-hand clothes and carried a small bag that seemed to contain all his worldly possessions.
As he climbed into my car, he introduced himself shyly as Hope, a new fuel pump attendant on his first day at work.
“Good morning, Madam. I’m Hope,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Good morning, Hope. Where are we headed today?” I responded, trying to make him feel at ease.
“To the Total fuel station on Oxford Street, please. It’s my first day of work,” he said, a mixture of pride and anxiety evident in his tone.
As we started our journey, I could sense his apprehension and decided to engage him in conversation to ease his nerves.
“First day, huh? That’s exciting! Where are you from, Hope?”
“I’m from a small village in the Volta Region,” he replied, his eyes lighting up at the mention of home. “I moved to Accra to find work so I can send money back to my grandmother and siblings.”
Hope’s story began to unfold slowly. He was the eldest of six children, and his parents had passed away when he was just ten years old. His grandmother had taken on the daunting task of raising him and his siblings, despite her advanced age and limited resources.
“What about school?” I asked gently. “Did you get a chance to finish your education?”
Hope shook his head. “No, ma’am. I had to drop out after primary school to help my grandmother. There was no money for school fees, and we needed every bit we could get just to survive.”
His words were spoken with a maturity that belied his young age, and I could hear the weight of responsibility in his voice. Despite his limited education, Hope was determined to make a better life for himself and his family.
“The city must be quite different from your village,” I remarked, trying to steer the conversation towards lighter topics.
“Yes, it is,” he said with a small smile. “In the village, life is hard but simple. We don’t have much, but we help each other. Here in the city, there’s so much… excess. I’ve seen things I never imagined before.”
“What kind of things?” I asked, intrigued.
Hope hesitated for a moment before answering. “The buildings, the cars, the lights… even the water. The water in the toilet cisterns here is cleaner than what we drink back home. It’s hard to understand why there is so much wealth here while my family struggles to find clean water.”
His observation struck a chord with me. It was a stark reminder of the disparities that exist within our society, often hidden beneath the surface of urban life.
“What do you hope for in the future, Hope?” I asked, curious about his dreams and aspirations.
“I want to save enough money to send my siblings to school,” he said earnestly. “Education is important. It’s the only way we can break free from poverty. And maybe one day, I can do something bigger… something to help my village and others like it.”
I could see a spark of ambition in his eyes, a glimmer of hope that transcended his current circumstances. “What kind of something bigger?” I probed gently.
Hope paused, as if gathering the courage to share his dream. “I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes I think about becoming a politician. Maybe even the president. I want to make real changes, to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs like clean water, good roads, and schools.”
His words were filled with a passion that was both inspiring and heartbreaking. It was a reminder of the untapped potential that exists within our youth, potential that often goes unfulfilled due to systemic challenges.
“What would you change if you were president?” I asked, encouraging him to elaborate on his vision.
“I would focus on real development,” Hope said, his voice growing stronger with conviction. “Not just in the cities, but in the villages too. We need to improve our schools, build hospitals, and provide clean water for everyone. Our leaders talk about these things, but they don’t always do them. We need leaders who care about the people, not just their own pockets.”
His words echoed a sentiment shared by many Ghanaians, a longing for genuine progress and accountability from those in power. It was clear that Hope’s experiences had shaped his perspective on leadership and governance, giving him a unique insight into the needs of his community.
As we approached the fuel station, I felt a deep sense of admiration for this young man who had faced so many challenges with such resilience and determination. His story was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope.
“Thank you for sharing your story with me, Hope,” I said as we arrived at his destination. “I have no doubt that you will achieve great things. Remember, every journey begins with a single step.”
Hope smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face. “Thank you, ma’am. I will do my best.”
As I drove away, I couldn’t help but reflect on our conversation. Hope’s journey was just beginning, and while his path might be fraught with challenges, his determination and vision for a better future were undeniable. His story reminded me of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need for systemic change to create a more equitable society.
In the gig economy, I meet many people like Hope, each with their own unique stories and dreams. These encounters enrich my life and provide valuable lessons that I carry with me in my entrepreneurial journey. Hope’s story, in particular, is a poignant reminder of the potential that lies within each of us and the difference we can make when we dare to dream and take action.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of our world, let us remember the Hopes among us, whose voices often go unheard but whose dreams are no less important. They are the future of our nation, and with the right support and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
As Hope embarks on his journey as a fuel pump attendant, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of his family and community. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential that exists within our youth. With determination and support, there is no doubt that Hope will achieve great things.
