Accra, June 24, GNA – For nearly 10 years, Afua Panyin, an autistic fish headporter (kayayoo) at Npoano in Elmina in the Central Region, has earned a living by carrying heavy loads of fish for buyers in the market.
The work, which she entered out of necessity after observing others engaged in it, has become a daily struggle marked by physical exhaustion, financial hardship and social stigma.
“Nothing makes me happy about this job because it is so difficult,” Afua said in an interview on Episode Four of At the Table with Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa.
Although she has spent years in the trade, Afua says her greatest aspiration is to leave the work behind and establish a small retail business.
“I have been here for a long time wishing to go into selling, but I do not have the capital to start,” she said.
Asked whether she would encourage another young woman to enter the headporter business, Afua responded firmly: “No. I even want to stop myself.”
Afua’s challenges extend beyond the demanding nature of the work. As a nursing mother without access to childcare services, she often carries her baby on her back while transporting fish through crowded market spaces.
She said the arrangement places considerable strain on both her and the child and frequently attracts criticism from members of the public.
“Carrying my baby in addition to the goods makes me weary,” she explained. “People accuse me of mishandling my baby, but it is the nature of the work. Sometimes they become angry and want to beat me. My baby also becomes stressed and cries often, making it difficult for me to work.”
Despite the intensity of the labour, Afua said the income earned from the work was inadequate to meet her family’s needs and offered little opportunity to improve her circumstances.
Beyond the low earnings and physical demands, she described the emotional toll of enduring insults and discrimination while carrying out her duties.
“People provoke and frustrate me while I am working. They say I am not worth it,” she said.
Afua is solely responsible for the upkeep of her four children. She said the father of her youngest child had passed away, while the fathers of her other children provided no financial support.
“I do it all by myself,” she stated.
Her story highlights the challenges faced by many women working in Ghana’s informal sector, particularly vulnerable mothers who must balance caregiving responsibilities with demanding economic activities.
It also underscores concerns about access to social protection, childcare support and livelihood opportunities for persons living with disabilities and low-income women striving to provide for their families.
At the Table with Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa is a public-interest programme by Agrihouse Foundation and its sister company, AgriWatchGH, in partnership with the World Food Forum Ghana Chapter, as part of activities marking the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The initiative seeks to highlight the stories, challenges, achievements and contributions of women farmers and women engaged in agriculture-related livelihoods across Ghana, while mobilising support for their role in national development and food security.
Individuals, organisations and development partners interested in supporting the women featured on the programme or partnering with the initiative may contact the organisers through Agrihouse Foundation—Linda Boateng: 020 952 9627, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa: 024 462 3012 or Email: [email protected]
By George Agboklu
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