Richmond Osei, a Ghanaian residing in Germany, has provided insights into the advantages he enjoys as a bus driver in the country.

Having relocated to Germany more than a decade ago, Osei shared in an interview with ZionFelix, as reported by GhanaWeb, that his early experiences in Germany were far from easy.

Despite having the support of his family, including his brother and mother, life was challenging for Osei in the initial stages of his stay in Germany.

However, after undergoing training to become a bus driver, he emphasized that his earnings in this profession surpass the monthly salary of a Ghanaian minister, highlighting the favorable conditions he now experiences in Germany.

"I'm from Abrepo in Kumasi, but I was born in Accra...I have been in Germany for 10 years. I lived with my brother for some time but moved out after a misunderstanding.

"I have been driving a public bus for almost 4 years...I normally drive for a maximum of 10 hours daily. You have a one-hour break...It is a good job; if you are not smart, it will be a huge problem.

"You always have to be smart. It is a good job with the payment, but even with that, we are fighting for an increment.

"If I check my salary and I convert it to Ghana Cedis, I will say that is what a Ghanaian minister is taking as a monthly salary," he told ZionFelix.

He continued by saying that the German healthcare system is excellent, and that as a bus driver, he also gets other benefits like free fuel.

Below is a list of Article 71 office holders as of 2021, along with their corresponding salaries after the 10% raise, per reports:

Vice President – GH¢ 20,529

Chief Justice – GH¢17,107

Speaker of Parliament – GH¢ 17,791

Cabinet Minister (MP) – GH¢16,423

Cabinet Minster (Non MP) – GH¢ 16,195

Minister of State (MP) – GH¢ 15,967

Minister of State (Non MP) – GH¢ 15,739

Regional Minister (MP) – GH¢ 15,967

Regional Minister (Non-MP) – GH¢15,511

Deputy Minster (MP) – GH¢ 14,826

Deputy Regional Minister (MP) – GH¢14,598

Deputy Minister (Non-MP) – GH¢ 14,369

Dep. Regional Minster (Non-MP) – GH¢ 142,142

Chairman, Council of State – GH¢ 14,826

Member, Council of State – GH¢ 13,685