My Story
I am Mariam Eliasu, a passionate woman who believes that where you start in life does not determine how far you can go.
A beginning, not a boundary
I grew up in a small village in northern Ghana. Life there was defined by tight-knit community, simple rhythms, and stark limitations. We had dreams, but the path to realizing them was often obscured by the daily reality of just getting by.
Yet, it was in the village that I learned resilience. I watched women carry immense burdens with quiet dignity, a lesson that would shape the rest of my life. I knew I wanted more, not just for myself, but to prove that a village girl could redefine her own boundaries.
In search of a better life
Leaving home was not an escape; it was a leap of faith. The journey to Accra was long and filled with uncertainty. Like many young girls from the north, I traveled to the capital in search of opportunity, carrying nothing but hope and the will to work.
The city was overwhelming—a sprawling, noisy expanse that didn't pause for anyone. I had to find a way to survive.
The weight of the basin
I became a kayayoo, a head porter. From dawn until dusk, I walked through the crowded, chaotic markets of Accra, carrying heavy loads of goods for shoppers and traders on my head for small change.
The cloth ring resting on my head steadied the basin, but it was faith that steadied my mind. Every day was a test of endurance. But amidst the noise and the exhaustion, I listened. I heard the stories of the other girls, the unspoken dreams carried under the weight of those loads. I realised that while my body was carrying yams and cloth, my spirit was preparing to carry something much heavier: hope.
"Through faith, courage, and hard work, I transformed my story, from carrying loads on my head to carrying hope in my heart."
Finding my voice
The transition from the market to the classroom, and eventually to the stage, was not sudden. It was built on a series of small, defiant choices to keep learning. I began to write. I poured my experiences into words, documenting the struggle and the refusal to be defined by it.
When I published my book, it was more than just a personal milestone. It was proof to every kayayoo I left behind in the market that our stories matter, and that we have a right to hold the pen.
A path for others
My journey led to the creation of Porter Path Foundation Incorporated. I realised that my survival was not just for me; it was a mandate to reach back. Today, my mission is to use my voice and story to empower others, especially young girls, women, and students, to rise beyond their struggles and walk boldly into their purpose.
I stand as a writer and founder who believes that no story is too small to change the world. My life is proof that with faith, courage, and purpose, every dream is possible.
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