Since Ghana’s independence, the southern part of Ghana has witnessed a growing influx of young women and teenage girls whose sole business is to engage in the head porterage of goods popularly known as Kayaye.

Studies reveal that there are about 100,000 female head porters in Ghana with over 70% in its capital Accra due to high demand for their services. They migrate from the northern sector of Ghana to the southern sector to seek greener pastures as head potters. They are subjected to verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The difficult nature of their work and the maltreatment they face contribute to poor mental health outcomes.

This has been a very challenging issue for every government of Ghana. But here at West Africa democracy radio, we’ve discovered a Ghanaian fashion designer changing the narrative.

Let’s Meet John Mensah, a prominent fashion designer, and artist from Ghana, transforming the lives of head potters through a tailoring program with his Mensah brand.

According to the program, qualifying head potters are given sewing machines and some equity to start their journey.