Ubirabi Baatak, 34, is the eldest of seven siblings and lives with a physical disability, having his right arm amputated. With only a Junior High School certificate and limited opportunities in the Saboba District in the Northern Region of Ghana, he spent years unemployed.
Though his parents were supportive, the family faced financial struggles, and Ubirabi longed for a way to contribute meaningfully to both his family and community.
Before joining the HAPPY Program, life was tough. His only source of income came from charging mobile phones for members of his community using a single extension cord and a few chargers.
It was a hand-to-mouth existence—just enough to survive, but never enough to grow or improve his situation. The lack of resources kept him stuck.
Everything changed when Ubirabi was enrolled in the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program. For the first time, he felt truly seen and supported—not just with words, but with real opportunities. Through the program, he was given the chance to cultivate an acre of soybeans, something he had never imagined doing. Despite being a first-time farmer, he harvested an impressive 6.5 bags. Seeing the harvest laid out before him, Ubirabi knew his life had turned a corner.
The income from his soybeans became the seed for growth. He reinvested his earnings into his small charging business, purchasing five new extension cords and ten chargers. With determination, he went further and bought a used fridge, expanding into selling cold drinks, water, and ice cream—products in high demand in his community.
Today, Ubirabi earns enough to meet his basic needs with dignity.
The HAPPY Project did more than provide support; it restored his confidence, opened doors he never knew existed, and transformed him from an unemployed young man into a proud business owner. His story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, possibility, and the impact of giving someone a chance.
