Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has spoken publicly about his challenging childhood and how it prepared him to empathise with the struggles of the poor.
He talked about growing up and going to college during difficult times and how he’s thankful for the struggles that have gotten him here.
Dr. Bawumia disclosed that he was only able to afford one term of school at the renowned College of Oxford. The only way he could afford to live was to clean dorm rooms and drive a taxi. He persisted through these obstacles and ultimately graduated.
“It has not been an easy journey. It has taken a lot of hard work, discipline, and patience to get here. I walked to school growing up in Moshie Zongo in Tamale. I have been a day worker on farms during holidays in secondary school, a warehouse boy even after finishing university, and a minicab driver. I was only able to pay fees for one term during my studies at Oxford University and had to survive for the rest of my studies without paying fees, thanks to my College. I only settled my fees in arrears after I started work following the completion of my Ph.D. in Canada. I have also been a cleaner of dormitories in my university days in Canada,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia has reaffirmed his dedication to helping society’s most vulnerable people. Because of his difficult upbringing, he has a deep understanding of the hardships endured by many people in Ghana.
“I care about the poor, the vulnerable, and the excluded. I care about the Lepers, the sick, sickle cell sufferers, cancer patients, the disabled, Kayayei, street children, and the unemployed, among others. This is the true essence of life: to address the problems of the weakest among us and to help them lift themselves,” he stated.
