Meet Rebecca Ahafianyo, the 25-year-old female breaking barriers with passion and purpose as a forklift and heavy-duty equipment operator

Born on June 21, 2000, Rebecca Ahafianyo represents a new generation of Ghanaian women boldly stepping into traditionally male-dominated professions with confidence, discipline, and vision. 

Her journey is one defined by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that ability, not gender, determines success.

Rebecca completed her Senior High School education at Hohoe E.P. SHS in 2017, and, like many young people, she initially explored other livelihood options, engaging in mobile money transactions in Ashaiman to support herself.

However, beneath this everyday work was a deeper ambition. From a young age, Rebecca had a strong fascination with heavy-duty equipment, particularly forklifts and mobile cranes—machines many would not associate with women.

In an interview, she said driven by curiosity and determination, 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). 

Ms Ahafianyo said the self-initiated learning was born purely out of passion. “It was something I really loved, so I went on the internet to know more about the equipment before coming to learn it,” she said. 

Ms. Ahafianyo said her desire to turn interest into expertise led her to enroll in the eleven-week training programme at the campus of RMU, where she undertook professional training in forklift and mobile equipment operations.

She said from the moment she arrived as a fresh student, she made up her mind backed by discipline, focus, and commitment to excel. 

Best student 

Her hard work paid off when she emerged as the Best Graduating Student in the Mobile Crane Operator programme. 

Standing before dignitaries, instructors, family, and fellow graduates during her graduation, Rebecca delivered a valedictory speech, one that highlighted not only her personal journey but also the importance of safety, professionalism, and lifelong learning in heavy-duty operations.

“Safety is not just a requirement; it is a sacred commitment—to oneself and to colleagues,” she emphasized, underscoring the values that define her approach to work.

Rebecca, who strongly advocates for women’s inclusion in technical and industrial fields, said she firmly believes that heavy-duty equipment operation was not solely for men. 

She advised young ladies to develop their passion and go after their dreams. “If you have the passion, do not limit yourself. Put your hands to it, and everything will fall into place,” she said 

She expressed appreciation to her family, especially her parents, Prosper Yaw Ahafianyo and mother, Mary Mordey, and her only sister, for remaining an important anchor in her life. 

Ambition 

For Rebecca, her ambitions were far from complete, she hinted that she would like to upgrade her skills as a mobile crane operator in the near future and was open to any form of sponsorship or support that would enable her to advance further. 

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

And for such an exceptional display of excellence and dexterity that saw her emerge as the best student in mobile crane operation during the course, the management of Rahamabros Enterprise, a crane and shipping service business, through their Chief Executive, 
Mohammed Salifu offered the young lady job opportunity. 

Alhaji Salifu explained that it was rare to find women in the sector and expressed optimism that the gesture would inspire more young ladies to pursue training and become professional crane operators.

In Rebecca Ahafianyo, society finds more than a skilled equipment operator; it finds a role model, one whose story proves that passion, preparation, and courage can redefine limits and inspire a new generation to dream boldly.

Writer's email benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh