Africa Enterprise

Divine Ghana — by Merlin Matthews — last modified 2008-02-02 15:14

Following in his father’s footsteps, Divine Osusu, 30, is a village carpenter in Patriensa, Ghana, who collects wood from timber merchants in Konongo a two hour round trip away. He carts the wood by bicycle to his roadside workshop where he and two apprentices make beds, chairs, and coffins.

Kofi Ghana — by Merlin Matthews — last modified 2008-02-02 15:14

Kofi Ayim runs the Old Timer’s spot bar in Patriensa village, and he recently purchased his first bicycle with the help of a micro credit scheme. Kofi (39) uses his new bicycle to collect stock for the bar from Konongo three times a week, balancing three crates of beer in the front tray, on a six mile round trip which takes over two hours. The public taxi trip cost five Ghana Cedis (about £2.50) so the bike which cost 40 Cedis quickly paid for itself in saved fares. Now Kofi is thinking about a business transporting stock for other bars. Melvyn Hodgets, the photographer, who works for Royal Mail explaines: “Royal Mail bikes are popular because they have a sturdy frame with a strong tray for carrying mail on the front. It is fascinating how people use them for carrying everything from beer crates to furniture and even other people - in fact anything but post. On some you can see the name of the delivery office the bike came from. Kofis’ bike came from Sidmouth and the former postman who used it would be amazed to see his trusty workhorse now.”

Ice Cream — by Merlin Matthews — last modified 2008-02-02 15:14

Ice Cream vendor using Royal Mail bike shipped by Re~Cycle

Drink Delivery — by Merlin Matthews — last modified 2008-02-02 15:14

Liberia using Royal Mail to deliver drinks

Africa Enterprise — by Ryan — last modified 2008-02-02 15:14