Becoming a craftsman
It all started at a young age as a school boy. At my primary level, that's when I got an idea of carving. At school I used to use a blade to make some gorgeous designs, like the head of a giraffe on my pencil, and human necklaces. My friends used to buy them.
On Saturday, which is a holiday, I used to go out and search for waste wood by the carpenters and use it to carve. Back then I did not have a single tool, but I would rather go out to the dump for people's waste materials and objects, and sell things on the streets to get money to buy tools to make real sculptures like elephants.
My parents did not agree with my thought and what I decided to become, but rather they said if I completed my second level of education they would allow me to learn carpentry, because they thought a spirit could summon the sculptures 😊
I went to learn the carpentry side for three and a half years, and I became a good carpenter. After that I decided to fulfil my dream as a craftsman. I went out to those who do carving as their work to live and shared it with them. They agreed and allowed me to learn.
During that time I had nowhere to sleep, so I slept on a bench for 9 good years on the streets to become a good carver. People found sympathy for me and allowed me to stay with them to learn how to carve. That's when I learnt how to make drums, the kora instrument, woodturning crafts and more.
I decided to cooperate with different companies and foreigners at the Ghana Art Centre. I also travelled outside of Ghana to different African countries like Togo 🇹🇬 and Benin 🇧🇯 to do business with my crafts work. Now I have fulfilled my dream and become who I am.
Through every hardship I faced as a craftsman, I learned that success is not built overnight. Every struggle, every mistake, every long day, and every difficult moment became part of my journey.
My legacy is not only the art I create, but the lessons I leave behind. I want every craftsperson who hears my story to understand that hardship is not the end of the journey—it is part of the process of becoming great.
Never give up on what you do. Keep learning, keep creating, stay humble, and keep pushing forward. One day, your struggles will become the story that inspires others.