From Cleaner to Journalist: Young Ghanaian Man Earns Master’s Degree in the UK

From working as a cleaner to becoming a journalist and earning a Master’s degree in Media and Development from the University of Westminster, John Elliot Hagan’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education.

John Elliot Hagan, a determined young man from Ghana, has risen from humble beginnings as a cleaner to becoming a journalist at the same company, ultimately earning a Master’s degree in Media and Development from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom.

John’s inspiring journey began with immense challenges. After losing his father, financial struggles forced him to drop out of Senior High School (SHS) in his second year. As the eldest child, he sacrificed his education to support his siblings while his mother worked hard to sustain the family.

In 2004, two years after leaving school, John found a job with a cleaning company and was assigned to work at Graphic Communications Group. Despite his circumstances, his dedication and positive attitude earned him respect among the staff.

In 2007, a staff member at Graphic discovered John’s unfulfilled dreams and generously offered to pay his tuition fees. This act of kindness allowed him to enroll at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) to study electrical engineering while working part-time.

In 2011, John learned about a job opening at The Finder, a media company, and was hired as an office assistant. When the office cleaner unexpectedly left, John took on cleaning duties alongside his role as an assistant.

His transition into journalism came in 2013 when he wrote a report about a dead body he encountered on his way to work. Drawing on years of reading reports at Daily Graphic and The Finder, he wrote a compelling piece that impressed the editor, who encouraged him to write more. Over time, John began covering assignments, eventually earning a full-time position as a reporter.

Eager to deepen his knowledge, John pursued a diploma program at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) for adult learners, sponsored by The Finder’s publisher. After completing the diploma, he pursued a top-up degree at GIJ, graduating with First Class Honors in 2019 and being recognized as the Best Graduating Student.

His academic excellence earned him the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, enabling him to study at the University of Westminster fully funded. There, he obtained a Master’s degree in Media and Development, further establishing his expertise in journalism.

Reflecting on his journey, John shared words of encouragement for young Ghanaians:

“You just have to be true to yourself. You can start very small and not let people down. Show determination and prove to people they can trust you.”

John’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of education to transform lives.

READ ALSO: Young Nigerian Man Who Worked as Bricklayer to Fund Education, Graduates University

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION