The Ghana National
Service Scheme (NSS) released postings for the 2013/2014 national service year
a few weeks back. As usual, the news was received with diverse reactions;
disappointment, happiness alike.
Presently, some people are still registering with
the various NSS offices while others are yet to locate their place of posting
on the map of Ghana. I wish them all the best.
As for yours truly, I have registered and have
even reported to my place of posting. In fact, this piece was written about and
at my place of posting.
The very first time I set foot at Ghana News Agency (GNA),Cape
Coast was in 2009. I had just started work as an agent for SIC-Life (yes, I’ve
worked there and still do; maybe my next post should be about that).
I had gone there with a letter seeking permission to sell the
SIC life policies to the staff. There was just one person there; a young lady
who was certainly bored because she was playing with a rubber band.
After climbing the 77 stairs
(I recently counted) to the fourth floor of the former ministries building,
where the office is located, on two occasions and never meeting the manager, I
gave up and nearly swore I was never returning to that office again.
Two years came to pass; I got admission into Ghana Institute
of Journalism (GIJ), the long vacation for internship came and I chose ATL FM;
a University of Cape Coast based radio station. It is affiliated to JOY FM; one
of the best radio stations in Ghana.
The day I sent my introductory letter, I was given a hearty
welcome that made me feel I was already a part of them, all because their
marketing manager was also called Jonathan Donkor. That feeling unfortunately
was short-lived as I was told the next day that there was no vacancy.
I was eager and ready to work so I went to Eagle FM, YES FM
and Graphic Communications group limited; all in Cape Coast but their responses
were negative.
Then at a choir delegates’ rally at Twifo Praso, I met an
alumnus of GIJ. He had done his internship at GNA- Cape Coast and advised that
I send a letter there. He sounded convincing so I decided to give it a try
despite my initial encounter.
As the days went by the
perception I had due to my initial encounter changed as I realized that the
work was on the field but not at the office hence the empty office I met a few
years back.
I went places, met dignitaries and saw my stories online and
in the newspaper even though it did not bear my name. The feeling was good
especially the day Radio Ghana used my story as a leading news item.
I ascended and
descended the 77 stairs for almost two months and when the time came for me to
return to school, I did not want to leave because I was learning a lot about
the job. But I had no choice than to leave.
I will always be grateful to Mrs. Alice Tettey, Mrs. Justina
Paaga, the delightful Ms. Delight Dela Biney and all the staff and service
personnel who mentored me.
It feels good to be back for national service. It feels good
to be climbing the 77 stairs again. I no longer see it as an occupational
hazard, rather a constant reminder that a journey of 10,000 miles begins with a
step.
I cannot predict the future; whether I will stay here after
service or leave but wherever I may work as a communicator, I will always be
guided by the motto of GNA; speed, accuracy and objectivity.
And every difficult task or trial that comes my way, I will
see and climb it like the 77 stairs to GNA.
