Driving a taxi in the streets of Accra is not an option a typical Ghanaian Masters Degree holder from a respected UK based Coventry University would choose, after looking for a job for months.
He returned from the UK, full of hope, with a degree in Oil and Gas Management hoping to grab a good paying job in Ghana’s budding oil and gas industry.
Peter Seshi was a teacher but with the quest to upgrade himself, he applied to the University of Ghana to do a degree programme in Sociology after teaching for three years.
[contextly_sidebar id=”lBGZjTlcfUYr3iqeLSVwKjYwHs7TlIfD”]After his first degree, he returned to the classroom to teach for a while until he got the opportunity to study at Coventry University for a year.
“I came back on the 7th of December 2012 which was the day of the election,” he told Traffic Avenue on Citi FM host, Jessica Opare Saforo.
He planned, but the country had other plans.
Peter searched for months, in and outside the oil and gas industry without any luck.
With over 20,000 unemployed graduates in the country (according to the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research), Peter refused to be part of the statistics.
“When I came back, I had to look for a job. I went to all the Oil Companies, wrote applications here and there, you go and they tell you no vacancy; those who are a bit polite, they will acknowledge receipt but then you won’t hear anything from them. You will do a follow up and still no vacancy,” he narrated on Traffic Avenue on Citi FM.
After an endless search in and out of the oil and gas sector, Peter settled on a plan many with his qualificiation would not take.
“… I was unemployed and in the house but I had this car at home so I decided that while sitting around and doing nothing, why don’t I get myself doing something to at least make some earns meet. I decided to convert the car into a commercial vehicle. I went through all the processes, I sent the car to the mechanics, they sprayed it and I hit the road and started my work as a taxi driver.”
Mixed reaction
Peter Seshi disclosed that his family was very supportive of his decision especially his wife but the story is not the same with his friends.
According to him, he became a laughing stock among some of his friends who thought being a taxi driver was beneath him considering his impressive academic qualifications.
But he did not budge!
The ‘shocked’ passengers
“A lot of my passengers are surprised when they get to know who I am,” he recounted, “but I check out the personalities and demeanor of my passengers before starting a conversation with them because not all of them are friendly.”
Seshi also revealed not all his passengers treat him with respect. Some talk down at him but others are polite and very conversational.
What next?
Definitely, for Seshi, holding a Masters degree from one of the best universities in the world is not enough.
He is determined to continue his education to acquire a Doctorate degree.
“When I get the opportunity, I would want to do my PhD. Two degrees are not enough so at least a PhD. It will be my last stop,” he said smiling.
Asked what he will do with the PhD, Seshi said: “You will get so many options; you can go back to the classroom and teach; you can do consultancy services and all sorts of things.”
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @ osamidan