22-year-old Eric Mensah works with a security company as a house guard here in Accra. Since he was assigned to the house by the company, he has no say in his monthly salary other than his initial agreement with the company.
In an interview on SVTV Africa with DJ Nyaami, Eric mentioned that he can’t afford to rent a room in Accra with his Ghs400 monthly salary. As a result, he sleeps in a corridor at his workplace.
“I had a kiosk, but it is damaged, so I sleep here at work. I spread a mat on the corridor. But when it rains, I have to stay awake till it stops. So that I can mop up and go back to sleep,” Eric said on Daily Hustle.
Speaking about his feeding expenses, the 22-year-old revealed that “I spend Ghs10 daily on Banku now. I eat once a day. I used to spend Ghs5, but prices have increased. Gari and sugar is what I manage, but I eat it too often, and my eyes are turning yellow.”
According to Eric, he wishes to study masonry and is currently saving up for it. Eric mentioned that his mother left him with his grandmother at age 2. Eventually, he joined his father here in Accra.
Speaking about the conditions of his job, Eric revealed he guards the house with his life. He pointed out he only had a stick as somewhat protection, but the supervisor of his company came for it.
“If I am attacked, the thieves will throw me out and do their thing. I received no training before starting this job. There are no employee benefits, and it is risky,” he added.
Kindly watch the full interview below;
