Osebo cries recalling his past ‘suffering’ including being a 10-year-old itinerant worker
Osebo the Zara Man, reflecting on his life’s journey, said, “You can never predict what you’ll achieve until you die,” sharing an inspiring personal story.
“I come from a poor background. There was a time I walked from Bechem to Nkekaasu, a distance of 60.1 km, when I was just 10. I worked as a shoeshine boy. Along the way, whenever I saw people working on gutters, I’d join them. I’ve sold Fan Ice and Fan Yogo, cut and sold firewood,” he shared.
“I’ve sewn sacks and worked as a kayayei (head porter) before,” he added.
The popular fashion entrepreneur spoke with Nana Romeo on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ayekoo Ayekoo.
Against all odds, he declared, “I told myself I would succeed.” He emphasized that he has never borrowed money, choosing instead to be the one to support his deprived family. “I became the bosiako (the one who sacrifices for others) for my family. I dropped out of school at Form 4 to push a market truck and take care of my father and siblings.”
Osebo highlighted the pain he had endured, saying, “I’ve suffered and toiled, and when I see someone struggling, I remember my own pain.” His voice shook, and even behind his dark glasses, tears were visible.
After regaining his composure, he shared the story of a man who took another man into his home, gave him new clothes, and made him work as a houseboy. The man’s old clothes, which were tattered, were tied to a tree. Every morning, he would visit the tree before starting his work.
One day, the wife of the man who had taken him in mentioned to her husband, “I’m sure Atongo has cast a spell on you because every morning, he visits that tree before coming to work. When you see how well he works, you always reward him.”
Osebo continued, “Not long after, the man followed Atongo to the tree. He saw him crying in front of his old clothes. The man asked him why he was crying, wondering if he had been hurt by his family. Atongo replied, ‘No, Sir. Every morning, I visit my old clothes under the tree to remember my past. You took me in, showed me mercy, and changed my life. I cannot do anything to cause you to send me back to those old clothes.’”
Osebo paused, struggling to finish the story as tears streamed down his face.
He concluded, saying, “When I make donations, I do it because I understand suffering. I am grateful for what God has done for me, and when I show kindness, I don’t worry about the quantity or amount. It’s my way of honoring my covenant with God, so I’m never returned to the dark place I came from. And if I am not blessed, my child will surely be.”
