We are a family of nine: seven siblings and our parents. Our youngest is still in secondary school, while the rest of us have completed tertiary education. One is pursuing a master’s degree, and two are currently abroad. All of this was made possible by my mother’s relentless effort and sacrifices. She funded our education through her market trading business.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP CHANNEL TO RECEIVE ALL STORIES IN YOUR INBOX

We lived in a house built by our parents, but the emotional foundation was always shaky. My father, made his decision and hechose not to care for us. He mistreated us, laid curses on us during our childhood, and spread false narratives that he was the one supporting our education. He claimed that all we are is his handiwork. Today, my elder brother suffers from mental illness, something we believe is tied to those curses. Despite everything, my mother continues to nurse him through his illness, even as he tarnishes her name to his family, who now resent her.

As for me, I’m a nurse and a trader. I’ve been married for nearly three years and have two beautiful toddlers: one is three months old, the other is 18 months. My husband had no prior relationships, while I had one ex, whom I’ve never brought up in our conversations. Yet, my husband constantly compares himself to my ex, accusing me of doing more for my ex than for him. He pressures me to share details of my past, only to use them against me.

From the beginning of our marriage, he was unemployed. I took full financial responsibility for our household. I covered hospital bills during both pregnancies, bought baby items, and managed all expenses without complaint. We live in his family house with his mother and brother, and I’m expected to share meals with them daily. When his mother began interfering in our marriage, I considered moving back to my family home. Her response was that if I left, her son would stop providing for us, even though I was still the sole provider. My husband begged me to stay but refused to rent a place for us to live independently.

At my shop, I employed an attendant to manage things while I worked my nursing shifts. After my first maternity leave, I discovered the attendant had accumulated over 70,000 GHS in debt. I informed my husband, but he never followed up or asked if I’d managed to repay it. He dismissed it as a family business, even though he knew the shop was mine. During my pregnancy, I handed over the shop’s finances to my mother because I couldn’t handle the scent of money, and her shop was nearby. I still visited daily to ensure things ran smoothly until I gave birth.

Before marriage, I acquired a plot of land. After marriage, I managed to purchase 5,000 blocks and sand. My husband oversaw the workers, but I stopped visiting the site due to pregnancy and financial strain.

Now, by God’s grace, my husband has a well-paying job. Yet, he refuses to fulfill his responsibilities. I’ve tried discussing our finances, explaining that the amount he contributes isn’t enough. Instead, he accuses me of not contributing because I’m investing in insurance, a susu group, and asking about Treasury bill interest rates. He believes his daily chop money of 50 GHS (about 1,500 GHS monthly) is sufficient. Occasionally, he gives me 500 GHS for pampers, but not consistently.

He also takes money from my bag, later claiming it was a loan he’ll repay, which never happens. What hurts most is that while I shoulder the financial burden of our family, he tells his relatives that he’s the one funding everything. They see me as the one squandering his money, and he never corrects them.

She Would Introduce Me To Rich Men Who’ll Give Me Money

Now I’m at a crossroads. I’m considering leaving this marriage, not out of impulse, but because I see history repeating itself. My father’s neglect and manipulation seem to echo in my husband’s actions. I’m building a family and a future, yet my efforts go unrecognised. He takes credit without appreciation and seems jealous of my progress.

So I ask: Do I have a reason to walk away?

—Sarah

This story you just read was sent to us by someone just like you. We know you have a story too. Email it to us at [email protected]. You can also drop your number and we will call you so you tell us your story.

#SB<>