In a world where certain professions are often labeled as "men-only," Madam Rita Osei stands tall, proving that determination and hard work know no gender. As the first and only female car spray shop owner in Koforidua, her story is one of grit, perseverance, and breaking barriers.

Rita's journey began in 1993 when she completed Junior High School in Accra while living with foster parents. Even as a young girl, she was drawn to technical and practical fields. She would watch masons, painters, and other artisans at work, trying out their skills on her own. Her talent shone early on when she single-handedly painted her foster parents’ house with a professional touch.

After school, Rita initially dreamed of learning refrigerator repairs but couldn’t find the support she needed. Undeterred, she returned to her parents in Jumapo, in Ghana’s Eastern Region, and expressed her desire to become a car sprayer. Her family discouraged her—after all, car spraying was not a field for women, they said. But Rita’s determination was unshaken.

In 1996, she began an apprenticeship in car spraying at Effiduase, walking long distances daily when money was tight. By 1999, she had completed her apprenticeship and started working as a professional car sprayer. However, the road to building her business was far from smooth.

Her first shop in Adweso was seized due to family land conflicts. She faced similar challenges with shops at Oyoko and Zongo. Yet, each setback only fueled her resolve to succeed. Finally, in 2007, she established her current shop at Ghanass Junction, where she has been operating successfully ever since.

A Thriving Business Built on Skill and Resilience

Today, Madam Rita is not just a car sprayer but an accomplished entrepreneur. She charges not less than GHS 3,000 for spraying a saloon car, with prices climbing higher for larger vehicles. From her earnings, she has built two houses and owns two shops—showcasing the substantial benefits that technical and vocational skills can offer.

She is also a mentor, training countless apprentices, many of whom have gone on to establish their own businesses. As a proud mother of three daughters, she instills in them the values of hard work and enterprise, often involving them in her shop’s operations during school breaks.

Inspiring a New Generation of Dreamers

On November 14, 2024, I had the privilege of visiting Madam Rita’s shop with a group of students from my class. As an art teacher and practicing artist, my aim was to inspire them with her incredible story and show them what determination and perseverance can achieve.

Madam Rita shared her experience and demonstrated the technical process of car spraying using auto base paints. She explained how to prime surfaces, apply paint, and use lacquer to achieve a glossy finish. For us as visual artists, it was an eye-opening session, linking the principles of car spraying to techniques used in sculpture finishing.

The students asked questions and left inspired, realizing that if Madam Rita could thrive in a male-dominated profession, they too could turn their dreams into reality with hard work and perseverance.

The Bigger Picture: Empowering Women and Promoting Entrepreneurship

Rita’s story is not just about car spraying; it’s a powerful example of the potential women have to break barriers and create opportunities. Her journey serves as a reminder that women in Africa can excel in any field they choose, given the right mindset and support.

Her success highlights the importance of vocational and technical training in building a thriving economy. Ghanaian parents should take note—technical and vocational fields are not only fulfilling but can also be highly lucrative. Madam Rita’s success shows that with the right skills, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, anyone can achieve greatness.

Let Rita Osie’s story inspire you to chase your dreams, defy the odds, and create your own path. Let it also remind us of the need to support women in every field, especially those traditionally dominated by men. Together, we can create a world where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

Rita’s story is not just about car spraying; it’s a powerful reminder that vocational and technical training, as well as apprenticeships, are essential to building a thriving economy. These fields are often underestimated, but they are the seed to industrialization and the key to a robust economy. In Ghana, we must shift our mindset and stop looking down on these crucial paths. By encouraging our children to pursue these avenues, we are not only empowering them but also laying the foundation for a self-sustaining economy that thrives on local expertise and innovation.

Let’s embrace the value of practical skills and apprenticeship programs, and support those who take the bold step to learn and teach them. When we invest in vocational education, we invest in our country’s future.

Share your thoughts, lets learn together.