Success stories often look beautiful when told from the finish line. What we sometimes forget are the difficult days, sacrifices and humble beginnings that came before the achievement.
In a touching video, Yeboah Agyekum Francis shares part of his life journey and explains how hard work, determination and dedication helped him pursue his dreams. According to his account, even after graduating as a biomedical scientist, he was involved in barbering rather than sitting at home waiting for the perfect opportunity.
His story carries a simple but powerful lesson: there is dignity in honest work, and where you begin does not determine where you will end.
The Only Living Saint Listens—and Remembers
As Apostle Michael Asabere, The Only Living Saint, listened attentively to Francis, the story became more than another inspirational video. It awakened memories of his own humble beginnings in Kumasi.
His mother, Yaa Asantewaa, was a second-hand clothing dealer. As a young man, Michael helped his mother sell her goods around Kejetia in Kumasi, experiencing firsthand the effort and determination required to make a living through petty trading.
Those experiences helped shape his understanding of hard work, perseverance and respect for people who earn their living through honest means.
Francis’ testimony therefore struck a personal chord.
“His story touches me because I can relate. My mother, Yaa Asantewaa, was a second-hand clothing dealer, and I helped her sell her goods at Kejetia, Kumasi. One day, I will tell my own story.” — The Only Living Saint
Never Be Ashamed of Honest Work
One of the strongest lessons from Francis’ story is that qualifications and humble work do not have to contradict each other.
A university graduate may have aspirations for a professional career, but circumstances can sometimes require taking a different path temporarily. What matters is continuing to work, learn and move towards one’s goals.
Barbering did not erase Francis’ education as a biomedical scientist. Instead, as he tells his story, that period becomes another chapter in a broader journey of determination.
There is an important message here for young graduates, particularly in Ghana and across Africa: do not allow society’s expectations to make you ashamed of honest work.
Your first job may not be your dream job. Your present circumstances may not reflect your qualifications or ambitions. But temporary circumstances do not have to become permanent limitations.
Behind Every Success Is a Story
Today we often see people’s achievements on social media—their careers, businesses, cars, homes and celebrations—but rarely see the years of struggle that came before them.
That is why stories like Francis’ matter.
They remind us not to compare somebody else’s visible success with our own difficult season. The person celebrating today may have spent years doing work others overlooked or underestimated.
The same applies to the story of The Only Living Saint. Helping his mother sell second-hand clothing at Kejetia was one chapter. Education, professional life and the experiences that followed became other chapters.
And, as he says, the full story will be told one day.
A Message to the Next Generation
Ashanti Intelligence (AI) is not merely about technology. It is also about drawing wisdom from experience and applying it to today’s challenges.
Our parents and grandparents understood perseverance. Many started with very little, traded in markets, learned practical skills and made sacrifices so their children could have opportunities they themselves never enjoyed.
The next generation should never despise such beginnings.
Start where you are. Do what you can. Respect honest work. Keep learning. Stay focused. And never allow today’s situation to convince you that tomorrow cannot be different.
Yeboah Agyekum Francis’ story is ultimately not just about biomedical science or barbering. It is about resilience, dignity and refusing to abandon one’s aspirations.
And for The Only Living Saint, it is also a reminder of a deeply personal journey—from helping his mother Yaa Asantewaa at Kejetia to pursuing his own dreams.
From humble beginnings can come remarkable stories. Never give up.
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