From Gbi-Wegbe, a small town in Ghana’s Volta Region known as 'America' for its tenacity, Vera Yayra Hayibor is cast in the same mold – driven, hardworking and spirited. Her journey from Ghana to Glasgow is a story of perseverance, unyielding faith, and determination.
Not every child who loses a parent early in life grows up to fulfill big dreams, particularly in the developing world. The profound impact of limited resources, systemic barriers, cultural expectations, and the emotional trauma of such a loss often stifles the potential for greatness. Only with resilience, a strong support system, and a touch of luck do some manage to rise above these challenges. Hayibor is among those who defied the odds - pursuing her dream with unwavering determination. From a modest background and a heart full of grit, she is set to take on the world, poised for service to community, with a PhD in Law.
Born into the Dzabe clan in Wegbe, located in the Gbi Traditional Area and Hohoe municipality, the second of five children—named Yayra (Blessing)—grew up surrounded by people who value hard work, education and community service. Her father, Theodore Yaw Hayibor of blessed memory, was an engineer and a scoutmaster. Hayibor’s mother, Alice Adzo Aworxo, is a trader, farmer, businesswoman, politician, and deaconess. As a child half-orphaned, Hayibor’s paternal aunt, Elizabeth, and her husband, Eusebius Agodzo, became second parents to her. From this support system, she inherited a strong sense of purpose and the belief that one could achieve anything through dedication and faith.
Hayibor’s educational journey began in Ghana, where she attended Mount Horeb in Abelenkpe from preschool to primary. She went on to Solid Foundation and Dzorwulu Junior High for her BECE, and obtained her WASSCE at Mawuli School, where she offered General Arts. Hayibor continued her education at the University of Ghana – earning a bachelor’s degree in History and Theatre Arts in 2014.
It was during her time at the University of Ghana that Hayibor began working part time with MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah of Ho West at the Parliament of Ghana. Her competence quickly caught Bedzrah’s attention and she would land a full-time position as his personal and research assistant upon graduation. Over the next three years (2012-2015), Bedzrah and Hayibor developed a close, father-daughter-like relationship that remains strong to this day. “He is somebody who loves to push people to the next level and he’s been an inspiration to me,” Hayibor reflects. Bedzrah, who remained a constant support throughout her studies, stood by her side at her graduation – referring to her as a “loyal daughter” and someone he couldn't be prouder of.
After honing her skills in the legislative arena, Hayibor set her sights on the UK to pursue a law degree at University of Glasgow, where she graduated with an LLM in International Law and Sustainable Development.
During her Master’s program, the self-motivated entrepreneur teamed up with a fellow student, Edna Okine, to co-found Cosy Students – a sustainability business that refurbished and resold items left by outgoing students. The venture thrived, leading to a partnership with Strathclyde Students Union and the creation of Sustainabubble, a larger sustainability hub. Banking and funding restrictions, however, posed a major challenge to meeting the £100,000 profit requirement for their Tier 1 entrepreneurship visa. Despite support from students and MP Paul Sweeney, their visa renewal was denied. Forced to make tough decisions, they ultimately handed the business to a Ghanaian student. Undeterred by setbacks, Hayibor took her next step, exploring options for a doctoral degree.
Securing a scholarship in Ghana for a PhD proved to be a daunting task, fraught with administrative delays and financial uncertainty. Some of it was nothing short of sabotage, going by Hayibor’s accounts. She recalls one of her trips to the GETFund office in Accra to pick up her award letter, after being assured that it was done, only to be called a nuisance and rudely dismissed by secretaries in that office. “That day, as I walked home with my shoes worn out, I cried in frustration, questioning why I had returned to Ghana instead of pursuing an entrepreneurial visa in the UK. It was a moment of self-pity, but I refused to let the secretaries' actions defeat me.”
A call to the scholarship administrator confirmed that Hayibor’s award letter was, in fact, ready. And, it was obvious upon her return to the office that the secretaries had been reprimanded. “They mocked me about my school’s admission deadline which was so close - virtually betting that the UK embassy would not grant me a visa that late.” Hayibor’s resolve paid off, nonetheless. She narrowly made it to her first semester at Glasgow to begin her doctoral degree in February 2020. The timing, however, could not have been more turbulent, as a new set of challenges surfaced – brought on by a global pandemic.
Starting a PhD during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic meant facing isolation and navigating the complexities of remote learning. There were moments when Hayibor doubted whether she had made the right decision. "There was almost no PhD community to depend on. I had to navigate the terrain by myself with guidance from supervisors, but it’s not the same as peer learning."
Despite the isolation and lack of resources, she remained resolute. Her faith in God, coupled with the encouragement of friends and family, became her anchor. She also drew inspiration from the women she interviewed for her research. They were determined to share their stories, despite their own challenges. "It gives females hope that there’s nothing they cannot do," she said, underscoring the importance of representation and resilience.
Incredible at balancing responsibilities, Hayibor took on roles that few students could manage alongside their studies. A longtime member of the National Democratic Congress, she actively engaged in Ghana’s political landscape, both in the UK and back home.
As a Gbi girl with deep ties and a strong presence in her home community, Hayibor contested in the primaries for the Hohoe Constituency. Her goal was to unseat a popular opposition party member—John Peter Amewu—who had flipped what was once a reliable NDC seat. The Millennial’s political campaign was met with financial challenges, but her commitment to her community never wavered. Despite losing the primaries, Hayibor successfully implemented women and youth empowering projects, showcasing her dedication to public service.
The journey of Opportunities came with notable unresolved expectations. For a young, beautiful, well-educated single woman, it is no surprise that her story was marked by relationship pressures and proposals – direct and subtle.
The Ghanaian-born recounts a trip to the U.S., encouraged by family friends there, following the completion of her Master’s program. It was meant to explore job and educational opportunities as well as meet a potential future husband. Despite hopes that meeting in person might spark a connection, the encounter solidified her decision not to pursue a relationship. “I saw him as family,” she clarifies.
Hayibor again exemplified her independence and strong will during a trip to Scotland's Gretna Green, where she turned down a surprise marriage proposal that could have resolved her immigration challenges – leaving her with mixed emotions.
Family remained a source of strength and inspiration throughout the journey. Losing her father to death at age four, his sister, Elizabeth Agodzo, took young Yayra in, provided her a nurturing environment and supported her education. "My aunt is like a second mum to me, and her husband, like a dad," she says fondly. Mrs. Agodzo's death could not have come at a worse time for Hayibor, given how close she was to achieving her PhD. Aunt Eli, as she was affectionately called, had been ill and passed away shortly before her niece’s graduation, though she lived long enough to see her pass her viva. “I have lost a gem who is irreplaceable," Hayibor grieved – highlighting the profound impact her aunt has had on her life.
Alice, a pillar of support herself, traveled to the UK to be by her daughter’s side on her graduation - bringing along her captivating energy. "She loves to see people happy,” Hayibor says of her mother while reflecting on the values of service and empathy she instilled in her from a young age. “Her joy is to see us and others succeed." Affectionately called Alizo, Alice’s resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and vibrant personality clearly proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
If you know Vera Yayra Hayibor, you recognize her unique blend of joyful spirit and grit. This is evident both at home and in academia – whether she is helping her mother out on the farm, selling fish at the market, or pursuing her educational and professional goals. The 34-year-old is empathic and gracious, with a sincere ingenuity – qualities that define her authenticity.
Dr. Hayibor is a true hometown girl. Many who know Gbi-Wegbe by the nickname 'America' or 'American Town' might be surprised to learn that the name wasn’t born out of rebellious youth behaviors but the distinctive ability to step beyond comfort zones in pursuit of a modern life; the relentless drive for educational and economic success. The girl named Yayra embodies this spirit. “I’m undeterred by authority when pursuing goals. "I face challenges head-on. The worst answer is ‘no’—meaning ‘try again later,’” she reiterates. “Good things do not come easily; they require hard work, determination, and staying true to one’s values."
In July 2024, a month after graduating, Hayibor's thesis—titled, An Analysis of the Legal Challenges Faced by African Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs (AIWES) in the UK—was published by UofG. Her research was inspired by her first-hand experience as an African immigrant woman entrepreneur in Glasgow.
Vera Yayra Hayibor’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that inspires others to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact. Her journey continues with a focus on empowerment and change. Her vision is a future where all can access education and economic opportunities. Through her yet-to-be-launched charity, Yayra Empower Hub, Hayibor aims to support young people with apprenticeships, internships, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Her emphasis is on women’s needs.
“When women are economically empowered, many of our economic issues will be resolved, injustices against women will cease, and the burden on men will lessen.”
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