Everyday People: From businesswoman to lotto operator after being robbed of life savings

Once a businesswoman at the Makola Market, Mariama Kadri was preparing to go to the market one morning and was waiting to board a taxi to work.

She thought it would be a normal day where she would pick up a car and the driver would safely alight at her destination, but in a surprising turn of events, the driver, along with the passengers, were armed robbers.

Speaking with GhanaWeb’s reporter, Eugenia Diabah, on Everyday People, the 62-year-old woman recounted how she was robbed of her life savings, including a loan she had taken, and was left with cuts around her arms.

“I used to sell at the Makola Market. I used to sell rice, sugar, and other things around the fire service. I often took loans at the bank to run my business. On that fateful day, I had taken out a loan together with my savings and left the house the next day for the market. The passengers in the taxi I boarded included a lady who sat in the front seat, and two men. While on the way, the driver took a turn I was unfamiliar with. When I asked why they were using that route, they attacked me and took my bag, which had my savings and the loan I had taken,” she told the reporter.

Months after the unfortunate incident, Mariama Kadri was introduced to the lottery business by a friend.

According to her, she was in a dilemma as to whether to accept the business or not because her beliefs were against the lottery business.

In order to pay her debts and support her family, she took up the business and has been operating it for seven years.

“I had to find a way to pay my debts but I had no one to support me. I have a friend who was already in the lotto business, so he asked if I was interested. I am a Muslim, and I knew a lot of people would insult me for doing it, but that is better than stealing, so I accepted it and I have been doing it for 7 years,” she added.

Mariama Kadri is happy with her newfound occupation, but she wishes to go back to her former business because, in her words, that is what she loves to do.

Watch the latest episode of Everyday People below:

Watch the latest episode of Everyday People below:





ED/NOQ