Women across the world continue to break barriers in male-dominated professions, and 25-year-old Rebecca Ahafianyo is no exception.

Driven by passion and curiosity, she took it upon herself to learn about heavy-duty equipment even before she stepped into a lecture hall.

According to her, the journey began with self-initiated learning online, purely out of love for the field.

“She spent time surfing the Internet researching equipment operations online, learning about the industry long before she formally enrolled in the forklift and mobile crane training programme, a short course organised by the National Association for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators, Ghana (NAHEOG), in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU),” she stated in an interview with graphic.com.gh.

Rebecca Ahafianyo later enrolled in an eleven-week professional training programme at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), seeking to turn her interest into expertise.

She undertook intensive training in forklift and mobile equipment operations from her very first day as a student.

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Her resolve paid off. She was among 43 trainees who graduated during the ninth graduation ceremony for forklift and mobile crane operators, held on December 22, 2025.

At the ceremony, Rebecca Ahafianyo emerged as the Best Graduating Student and was also adjudged the Best Mobile Crane Student.

Delivering her valedictory address, she encouraged young women to explore opportunities in the heavy equipment industry and not allow stereotypes to limit their ambitions.

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“If you have the passion, do not limit yourself. Put your hands to it, and everything will fall into place,” she stated.

Speaking about her future plans, Rebecca Ahafianyo disclosed that she would like to further sharpen her skills in mobile crane operations.

"My long-term goal is to master new equipment technologies and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s industrial and logistics sectors," she said.

Rebecca Ahafianyo was born on June 21, 2000. She attended Hohoe EP Senior High School and graduated in 2017.

Watch Rebecca Ahafinyo in action operating a heavy-duty equipment

Meet Rebecca Ahafianyo, the 25-year-old female breaking barriers with passion and purpose as a forklift and heavy-duty equipment operator https://t.co/gid1ACL4B6 pic.twitter.com/APthiiV9f0

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) December 24, 2025