Lydia Quayson: Overcoming financial struggles in pursuit of education

In a family where educating the girl child was not the norm, Lydia Quayson defied the odds as the first out of her extended family to have earned a Bachelor’s degree.

"Obaa dzi, ɛdzi nu kɔ sukull mpo aa, kitchen na ɔbɛ ba abɛtina, ɔbɔ kɔ koraa akɔ nyim aba; to wit: "A woman who goes to school will still end up in the kitchen; she will just go and get pregnant, why waste money?”

Miss Quayson recounted these words spoken to her father by a relative when he asked to borrow money to top up her university fees.

Speaking to The Mirror in Accra last Wednesday, she recalled the said relative, inviting her nuclear family to a party thrown few days after the unaccepted request.

She added that this mindset, though discouraging, only fueled her determination to succeed.  Her parents, Mr Joseph Quayson and Mrs Agnes Quayson, both traders with no formal education, supported her through financial struggles.
Miss Quayson also mentioned painful experiences of attempted sexual assault and other abuses she preferred not to relive.

Although she loved Mathematics and dreamed of becoming an accountant, her path changed when she was unexpectedly appointed as acting Human Resource Manager (HRM) while working at Loncha Ghana.

Without any HR background, this experience inspired her to pursue a career in Human Resources gaining an internationally recognised certification as Senior Professional in Human Resource International (SPHRi).

Today, Miss Quayson works in the Academic Affairs Office at the University of Ghana (UG) and manages three side businesses, including her consultancy firm, “Get Your Answers Consult.” She is also a mentor, career coach and advocate for young men and women.

She is an alumnus of the UG graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Miss Quayson has bagged, recognitions including HR Personality of the Year Nominee (2023) by the HR Certification Centre, Top 10 Exceptional Professionals in Human Resources (2024) awarded by the Iconic Brand, Africa, Top Creator in HR and Career Coaching (2024) awarded by LinkedIn Ghana.

Married at 25 years to Mr Ebenzer Adjei, she is a proud mother of three: Ephphath Kweku Oheneba, Ephphatha Kukua, and Trinity Oheneyaa Adepa Adjei. 

Miss Quayson, who is in her early 30s, credits her marriage with providing stability and support in all aspects of her life.

Early life and education
She recalled her early life and education, saying she attended King Jesus International School at Awoshie in Accra for her basic education.

She was the first of six children who continued to pursue higher education. For senior high school, she attended PANK Business School, a private institution. 

“At PANK, I excelled academically and became the school’s first female Girls’ Prefect as well as Drama Club President and graduated with multiple awards, including Best Accounting Student and Best Elective Math Student,” she added.

“Life has never been easy, hunger, abuse, lack of resources, just name it, my family and I have been through a lot but I always thank my parents for not giving up on us,” she said.
She noted that the fear of the Lord often kept her from trouble and had been her guide.

University struggles

Reflecting on her university struggles, Miss Quayson said adjusting to life at the UG was tough. She had initially hoped to study business but was offered a Bachelor of Arts programme instead, which included sociology, linguistics, and Swahili.

“Reading has never been my passion, so I failed badly during my first year. I remember skipping my lectures to join my friends on the accounting side to study. I even considered transferring to the University of Cape Coast to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce programme,” she said.

However, she added that her father, who had taken a loan to pay her fees, encouraged her to stay at UG, saying he couldn’t afford new admission fees.
Eventually, she dropped Swahili and focused on sociology and linguistics, finding her footing despite the tough start.

Professional Journey
On her professional journey, Miss Quayson said her career took shape during her wait to begin national service. She said she applied to the British Council’s Blazing Trail programme and was selected.

This programme, which focused on professional grooming and development, became a turning point in her career.

“I did my national service at the UG School of Continuing and Distance Education and later got my first full-time job at EcoPrime, an engineering company, as a sales engineer,” she said. 

She added that although the job paid well, the late hours and safety concerns, including being robbed in a taxi, forced her to resign after six months.

She noted that she later accepted a role as a personal assistant to a director at a Vodafone subsidiary. However, she turned it down after realising the director’s interest in her which made her uncomfortable.

“The next opportunity came at Loncha Limited where I started as an evaluation officer but was quickly promoted to acting HR Manager within a month and later confirmed as the HR Manager even though I had zero background in HR,” she said. 

Over five years, Miss Quayson noted that her role, which included recruitment, talent management, payroll, and strategic planning, earned her praises.

Balancing a job, side hustles and managing a home
On how she balances her full-time job, running side businesses and managing her home, the HR professional said she starts her day early with meetings and office work before focusing on her businesses in the evenings and on weekends.

Even with the long hours, she believes her different roles work well together since they help her earn extra money.
 “My corporate job taught me discipline, organisation, and professionalism while helping me save my salary,” she said.

For her role as a mother, she said she followed a schedule and planned her weekly activities. She does not take on extra work if it affects her time as a mother or wife.

“It’s all about planning and asking for help when needed. Having a supportive partner and family makes it easier to handle everything,” she explained.

As a way to release stress, Miss Quayson said she loved to read, write, listen to music and cook.

Building a brand
When it comes to building her brand, Miss Quayson said social media, especially LinkedIn, had been a game-changer.
 “It’s amazing how a single post can reach thousands of people. Most of my gigs come through social media and referrals, and I’ve made so many connections,” she said.

Inspiring others
Beyond her success, Miss Quayson mentors young graduates and professionals who want to start their businesses and need career coaching by using her experiences to give practical advice.

“I want them to know it’s possible to follow your passion and succeed, even if you start small. Always have a side hustle because it provides multiple streams of income,” she advised.

writer’s email: appreygloria@gmail.com