Post Ghana: Introducing Vivian

Following my Londoner-come-to-town hissy fit,

I decided to talk to a few Ghanaians to find out more about life in Accra. This is Vivian. She's agreed for me publish her picture and tell her story on my blog. She is twenty-five years old and she comes from Ada (Tcevie) which is near the Eastern region. Her father (who is dead) was a farm hand and her mother is a vegetable trader. She was originally one of eight children. Four died. Vivian has a two year old daughter. Her son died some six months before I met her. Vivian does not speak English so this interview was conducted with the help of an intepreter.

WG: Why are you here in Accra?

Vivian: I am here to take up an offer of marriage.

WG: When?

Vivian: I am not sure yet. I am living with the man right now but my relatives are insisting on us doing things the traditional way so we will have to go back to the village to do the formal engagement and marriage.

WG: Are you happy with that arrangement?

Vivian: Yes, because I lived with my former partner without performing any rituals [engagement etc] and he just left when my son died so I support my relatives in this.

WG: I want to learn more about you. What worries you most about life?

Vivian: The way men behave. I would like to have a happy equal partnership with a man. I want to be independent, to start trading so that I can buy the things I need for myself.

WG: What makes you happy?

Vivian: Spending time with my sisters, having a laugh, watching television.

WG: How many languages do you speak?

Vivian: Four

WG: Did you ever go to school?

Vivian: (looks to the ground) No

WG:What in your opinion is the biggest problem facing Ghanaians today?

Vivian: People are suffering from money worries and no work

WG:What do you think about Ghanaians who come from overseas to build big houses and spend their foreign money in town?

Vivian: People who come from abroad have better opportunities so they go further. Their parents give them good opportunities.

WG: Would you ever consider going to school?

Vivian: Yes, if I could find someone to look after me to do it.

WG: Is your fiance in a position to support you to go to school?

Vivian: (looks to the ground and laughs): No

WG: What are your hopes for your daughter?

Vivian: I want to start trading so that I can send her to school

WG: How much capital do you need to start trading?

Vivian: One hundred and fifty thousand cedis (Fifteen US dollars, 8 or 9 pounds sterling)