“Growing up, I was faced with financial restrictions, and life wasn’t so simple,” says Professor Peter Quartey, Director of the University of Ghana’s Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER).
Prof. Quartey described some unusual experiences he had as a youngster, stating that in order for his family to survive, he had to contribute by selling food and other things.
While in Junior High, he sold eggs, sugarcane, and other items, according to him.
“Growing up, we had to sell stuff to help our parents or guardians, therefore I’ve sold a few items,” he said in an interview with Ayisha Ibrahim on JoyNews’ Personality Profile. I had to sell a few items in order to come home and assist my family while still attending school. I’ve sold soaps, sugarcane, Omo, eggs, and a variety of other items.
“We took them on a tour of the neighborhood.” We had a market, so we took them there, and then you had to learn. But that was before I started secondary school.”
He remarked that it was not unusual to see youngsters hawking on the streets to make ends meet.
“I also ran across several of my friends who were selling.” I encountered a lady who was selling cooking oil. “I couldn’t believe that since I believed she came from a decent family,” he continued.
This, he claims, has enabled many youngsters to attend school and receive a formal education.
Even at the tertiary level, life was difficult for Professor Peter Quartey. He attended the Legon campus of the University of Ghana.
On the episode, he discussed how he had to let go of a fantasy in which he got the perfect send-off from Legon. He only wanted a nice suit to wear and a party to honor his accomplishments. He enjoyed learning, according to him.
However, due to financial constraints, he was unable to buy all of this.
“The one time I truly felt the squeeze was when I graduated from university, and I wanted a good suit and a large party for the graduation.” That sort of thing. “I observed other coworkers whose parents threw large celebrations for them, but that didn’t happen for me,” he lamented.
But it didn’t stop him from treating himself. He remarked that several of his colleagues banded together and gave themselves a well-deserved celebration to cap off their hard work at the renowned university.
“A couple of our friends got together and arranged a party, which overpowered that emotion.” We had a fantastic time, which I believe helped.”
The Director of the University of Ghana’s Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) did not grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He described seeing several individuals suffocated in Darkuman, where he lived.