Rahel Osterwalder

As a former archaeologist, he found his passion in environmental preservation by repurposing around 250,000 water sachets monthly into reusable bags.

Over one million tonnes of plastic packaging waste are produced in Ghana annually, leading to pollution of streets, beaches, and sewage systems. To address this problem, Elvis and his team reuse water sachets to produce reusable bags. Collectors bring the water sachets they find on the streets to the factory and receive 2 cedis per kilo.

The bags go through several steps before processing, which include washing, cutting open, and sun-drying. They are then transformed into various products, such as school backpacks.

Trashy Bags Africa works in collaboration with many charitable enterprises in Ghana, including providing backpacks to local school children, equipping them for their future education.

Processing of the water sachets at the factory of Trashy Bags Africa in Accra

Processing of the water sachets at the factory of Trashy Bags Africa

Elvis was part of the founding team when Trashy Bags Africa started back in 2008. He discovered his dedication to the environment during his work as an archaeologist in both Ghana and Europe. At that time, Elvis was aware that not many people know about the environmental impact of plastic, so he wanted to share this knowledge more widely.

Today, Trashy Bags Africa has recycled over 30 million water sachets. Elvis and his team not only turn them into school bags but also into shopping bags to discourage people from using even more single-use plastic bags.

School backpack made out of recycled water sachets

"My ultimate dream is to be a part of a positive team like Trashy Bags Africa and to build collaborations with other positive teams, locally and globally, ultimately aiming to achieve a greener planet," says the 47-year-old. Elvis Aboluah finds happiness in driving positive change for the environment, which is what makes him most passionate about his job.

Elvis Aboluah, Factory Manager of Trashy Bags Africa

Elvis Aboluah, the factory manager of Trashy Bags Africa, is combating plastic pollution in Ghana. As a former archaeologist, he found his passion in environmental preservation, by repurposing around 250,000 water sachets monthly into reusable bags.

Trashy Bags Africa: Elvis is passionate about the environment

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Food & Travel

The 67-year-old Indian was born in Accra. He first got into cooking when he traveled to Toronto, Canada, for his studies in management. “I had a part-time job at an Italian Restaurant. When I made the pizza sauce, I discovered my passion for different spices and aromas. That's where it all began.”

Today, Harry Khubchandani owns his own restaurant called “Tandoor Indian Restaurant” in Accra. He curates meals for vegetarians, vegans, and non-vegetarians, with a strong passion for Indian cuisine. When explaining what’s most important in training his staff to become good chefs, he states: “When you’re cooking, depend on your nose. That will guide you the right way. The right aroma will tell you how your food is going to taste.” “Also, preparation is key,” says the father of four children. “I always have my ingredients chopped and spices ready before I start cooking.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Harry’s restaurant. Since managing the restaurant, Harry stopped cooking for clients. However, he still enjoys cooking in his free time. He also hosts his own cooking show on YouTube to demonstrate how to cook at home. “I use the simplest ingredients and equipment, just like you have at home. So, I can identify with you and show you how to cook in the simplest way.”

Chef Harry Khubchandani's long-standing commitment and love for cooking shine through his decades-long journey in the culinary world.

Harry Khubchandani has 35 years of experience in cooking. Describing where his passion comes from, he compares cooking with making music: “Cooking food is an art. It’s just like creating music. Each spice is a note, and when the tune becomes a hit, it makes you happy.”

'Cooking is an art' – Chef Harry is passionate about cooking

Her profound love for her job comes from the opportunity it provides to work with children and that it plays an essential role in society.

"Good morning, William," Miss Baaba waits at 8 am at the Montessori pre-school gate, warmly welcoming the children. Among her students, 6-month-old William is the youngest. Following a brief session playing outside on the trampoline and exploring African drums, all the children and teachers gather for circle time—a moment to connect and start the day positively.

"Good morning, Miss Baaba! How are you doing?" chants the choir of children. With a broad smile, Miss Baaba responds, "I'm doing great because I'm here at school." In her late twenties, she has been a teacher for nine years. Her passion for teaching started when she visited her aunt, a pre-school teacher, during high school. "When I saw what my aunt did, I knew where I belong to."

"Working with these children makes me realize the significant role I play in the community. As a pre-school teacher, you guide a child at the start of their journey, and your influence accompanies them throughout their life," explains Rebecca Baaba Okine.

At Bloomings Montessori Pre-school, children learn through play

At Bloomings Montessori Pre-school, children learn through playful activities. Mathematics and literacy basics are introduced using interactive games, engaging activities, and specialized materials. Miss Baaba's dedication to her profession shines through her work, and witnessing her students' learning progress fills her with pride.

According to the school's vice-president, Madame Sonal, having passionate teachers like Miss Baaba is an integral core value for the institution:

"To be part of an educational institute, you must have passion for being around children. Their energy demands a certain enthusiasm from us to sustain throughout the day. This enthusiasm not only helps but also motivates the children. To deliver the best, you must love what you do."

As the day unfolds, Miss Baaba anticipates her favorite part of the day: outdoor playtime. Particularly while playing football, she assumes an energetic role, guiding and having fun with the children. "I lead them; I have to set an example. That's why I'm always so energized."

Miss Baaba is passionate about teaching since 9 years

As a devoted pre-school teacher, Rebecca Baaba Okine guides the children with joy and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on their formative years.

By: Rahel Osterwalder

Miss Baaba, a passionate teacher at the Bloomings Montessori Pre-School

Rebecca Baaba Okine, known as Miss Baaba by her students, is a dedicated teacher at Bloomings Montessori Pre-school in Accra.

My Job, My Passion: Meet Miss Baaba, a proud Montessori Pre-School Teacher

“I want to be a seamstress,” said Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh to her mother when she was a child.

Her mother asked if she was sure, and she answered with a confident yes. In 1994, Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh started sewing professionally. For 15 years, she has owned her shop called Priscy Fashion, located in Alajo Polo Junction in Accra.

The 52-year-old handles all the cutting and shaping, leaving the sewing to her team. “Cutting is the most crucial part of the whole process,” Priscilla says. “Because if you don’t cut, you cannot sew.”

The team works with various materials like jeans, kente, or silk. “We make clothes for weddings, engagements, parties, birthdays, and funerals. Funeral clothing is the most requested. The demands come from all over the world. “I have customers from everywhere,” she says.

“It’s word of mouth; if I sew something for you, you will recommend me to others. That’s why I always say, if you lose one customer, you lose more than one hundred customers.”

What Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh loves most about her job is working with different colours and patterns. It brings a smile to her face when customers send her pictures of the dresses she made. “I feel happy when I see that,” she says.

My Job, My Passion: Sewing is both my hobby and my profession

And that’s the reason why she would not want to do any other job in the world.

"I feel happy when I see that," she expresses, underscoring the profound connection between her craft and personal fulfillment. It's this sentiment that solidifies her stance—sewing isn't just a job for Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh; it's a lifelong passion and hobby.

Sewing is both my hobby and my profession - Priscilla shares her story

By: Rahel Osterwalder&nbsp;

Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh's three-decade journey in sewing

Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh, a seasoned seamstress with over 30 years of experience, reveals in this edition of "My Job, My Passion" why sewing is not just a profession but a lifelong love.

Passion to Profession: Priscilla Agyeman Prempeh's three-decade journey in sewing

From a tender age of five, Milord Otumfuo, also known as Maestro Milord, embarked on his remarkable journey in the realm of dance. His father, a skilled dancer at the time, played a pivotal role in igniting his passion for the art. Recollecting his early years, this 37-year-old maestro fondly reminisces, "I vividly recall the stories my grandmother shared, narrating how I used to sneak into the midst of everyone when my father was teaching, eagerly trying to dance alongside them." It was during his junior high school days that he founded his first dance group, specializing in the trendy dance style known as "cracking," akin to breakdancing, characterized by expressive body movements and mesmerizing body rolls. Milord proudly looks back and says, "In the neighborhood where I grew up, I gained a reputation as the best." However, a transformative moment arrived when his father returned from a trip to Taiwan with a VCD of Michael Jackson. Milord reflects with a grin, "I began watching, I started learning, and it changed my life."

Maestro Milord teaches his students the art of dancing

His journey continued as he delved into the captivating world of Salsa dancing, ultimately becoming his deepest passion. As a professional Salsa show dancer, he graced stages across Europe and South Africa, declaring with pride, "Dancing has taken me on a journey around the world, and I would choose it all over again. It has not only blessed me with a vibrant community but also a tightly-knit family."

Beyond being an extraordinary dancer, Milord Otumfuo is also a gifted choreographer, the owner of a dance company, and a dedicated teacher. When asked about his preferences, he wholeheartedly confesses, "If I had to choose, I love teaching the most. It's something I've grown up with, a passion for exploration, and an ardent desire to give back. Teaching, especially to children, is a profound experience. When you teach kids, you find yourself learning just as much as you impart." Presently, Maestro Milord, alongside his dance partner Elsie, teaches Afro Dance and Drip Classes at California Fitness in Accra.

In addition to his unwavering commitment to dance, Maestro Milord adheres to a rigorous training routine to maintain peak physical condition. "For a dancer, fitness is of paramount importance. Strong legs are indispensable, and, of course, looking good doesn't hurt either," he shares with an infectious smile. His passion and dedication are unmistakable. In his parting words, he humbly states, "I didn't choose dancing; it's more like dancing chose me."

Maestro Milord's journey illustrates how his love for dance has not only shaped his remarkable career but also cultivated a tight-knit community and family. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, our passions find us, not the other way around.

In this week's edition of "My Job, My Passion," we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Maestro Milord, a renowned dancer who graciously shares the profound influence of dance on his life.

My job, my passion: Maestro Milord teaches his students the art of dancing

In this inaugural episode, we shine the spotlight on Frida Büschi, a passionate hairstylist.

At 52 years of age, Frida is the proud owner of "Personal Touch," a beauty salon situated in Top Base, just outside Accra. Her remarkable journey as a hairdresser spans two decades. What resonates most deeply with Frida in her profession is her ability to bring joy to her clients. She ardently expresses, "I love my job because I like to put a smile on my clients' faces. I want them to look beautiful!"

Beyond the joy she imparts, it is the diversity of her work that fuels Frida's enthusiasm. She elaborates, "We offer a wide range of services, encompassing not only shampooing but also intricate braiding. Additionally, our beauty salon provides nail polishing services." The art of braiding, often a time-intensive process, can span up to six hours on just one client. “Of course, we take naps in between and stop for food,” Frida says.

Frida's professional journey extends beyond the confines of her beauty salon. She also plays an essential role in the community, supplying electricity and cell phone credits. Frida describes the unique dynamic, stating: "It’s amazing how the mind can switch between hairdressing and electricity!"

Notably, among Frida's clients are her two daughters, Rahel and Debby Büschi. When speaking to her daughters, Frida effortlessly switches to Swiss German, a skill acquired during her 10-year stay in Switzerland. Today, she resides in Accra alongside her daughters.

Rahel Büschi, her 23-year-old daughter, couldn't be more delighted with her mother's career choice. She reflects, "My mom truly has the best job in the world because, whenever I need my hair done for a special occasion, she's right there to work her magic. It's like having everything I need at my fingertips!"

<h3>By: Rahel Osterwalder</h3>

My job, my passion: Meet passionate hairstylist Frida Büschi

Meet Frida Büschi: Passionate hairstylist bringing joy to clients

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Pulse Ghana is the most followed news and entertainment platform, informing and engaging young Ghanaians round the clock, providing updates by the hour.

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Rahel Osterwalder is a video journalist with special interest in human touch stories, the environment and sports. She's from Switzerland and currently based in Ghana.