Africa Has Witnessed Tremendous

African devel- 59 opment and the Influence of Tech- CONTENTS nology THE TEAM 7 things female en- Co-publisher Alvin Ofori 61 trepreneurs should 22 take note of when Dennis Kofi Borti meeting clients to close deals

Cindy Nuamah 26 Cannabis oil Web Developer and 72 production; A Host manager popularly known as KKD is a great multi-billion dollar (GET SYSTEMS ) Africa has witnessed tremendous media icon whose ingenuity, created venture Vincent Ashong development in the creative industry, a whole new experience on radio and Jeffery Yeboah Tara Squire Quartey media, fintech as well as other -indus television and setting the pace for other 08 28 tries and Ghana is no exception. Over media professionals. He has been re- Tips for living a the years, many entrepreneurs have ex- ferred to many as a style icon owing to Business Develop- 74 healthy entrepre- plored emerging trends within differ- his eclectic and Afrocentric lifestyle. ment Manager Aurelia A. Attipoe neurial lifestyle ent sectors. Owing to our mission of 29 Derrick S. telling stories of African entrepreneurs, KKD is a trendsetter who has pio- Vormawor we sought to gain insights from great neered many initiatives. Personalities personalities whose expertise and en- such as Kwame Sefa Kayi, Okyeame 3 reasons your trepreneurial exploits have been instru- Kwame, Reggie Rockstone attested to 75 business isn’t mental in shaping entrepreneurship lo- his contributions within the industry. growing. Creative Director and cally and internationally. In this edition, Graphic designer we have highlighted stories from such This edition won’t have been complete professionals as well as features on oth- without the invaluable contributions of Abraham Adjekum er entrepreneurs and start-ups. some personalities and individuals. Michael M. Bonsu 12 Personalities such as the Head of Con- We will like to acknowledge the Gener- sumer Banking, Ecobank West Africa, al Overseer of Spirit Life Revival Min- Mr. Tara Squire shared his lessons and istries and his wife, Prophet Bernard & Editor experiences within the corporate indus- Mrs. Mimi ElBernard Nelson – Eshun try and the essence of digital reforma- who have been very instrumental in Edwina Kulego Carolyn Pomeyie Nana Akua tion. Michael Mensa-Bonsu, Publisher helping us birth this dream and con- 14 34 Frimpomaa of Agoo Magazine also shared his jour- stantly offering guidance and support.I Amofa ney in leading Ghana’s premier lifestyle will also like to acknowledge all the magazine and promoting communica- personalities who granted us the audi- tion and brand strategizing. ence to make this edition possible. We Caveman Calvin A. Agbenyo Contributing Photographers are grateful for the stories and lessons 18 38 Chinchie photography Among other things, we have insight- shared. I will also like to appreciate the Derrick Freeman ful features on business development, support of my team who played vari- Emmanuel Nkansah health and technology. ous key roles and for helping to make this journey worthwhile regardless of At My Story Magazine, we believe that the setbacks. What every entre- Contributing Writers Dorothy Kyeraah the effective use of media provides the 56 preneur must know John Armah basis for reformation and transforma- Let’s help build Africa one story at a in raising capital Daniel Sarpong Jnr tion. Thus, we can never undermine time! Derrick Vormawor its importance as it is an integral tool Dr. Velma Acquah for growth. Based on this premise, we Enjoy! Vincent Ashong Quartey sought to gain knowledge from one of the pioneers and leading Nana Akwasi Bonsu. icons of the radio and media industry who has changed the status quo of me- COVER STORY A concept of MSM inc. dia and communications in the country Celebrity Barber King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah Email: [email protected] and beyond. Kwasi Kyei Darkwa MD 20 41 Tel.: +233 (0) 20 95 23757 / +233(0) 24 10 80702 Subscribe: www.mystorymagazine.com 2 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 3 4 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 5 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE

Can you please tell us about your- teams. My wife and parents have self ? been very supportive. A lot of people have been very influen- We are a family of three; my wife tial in my life are David Afodale, daughter and I. Our daughter is 13 Kojo Otuu, Charles Eshun, Jo- years old. She thinks she is the boss. nas Baah, Eto Dei Tutu, Mr. Sometimes, I think she is right. I George Owusu Ansa, Mr. Rich- have been married for a little over 13 ard Ofodule, Kofi Fumey, Albert years now. I attended Bishop Bowers, Forson among others. PRESEC, St. Peter’s and University of I would say there are very com- Ghana. petent Ghanaian corporate leaders in the country who are doing I have been working for the past 18 tional service, I felt maybe that was not what a great job in their respective years after school excluding national I wanted to do. During that time, we were fields. I think one thing that in- service. It has been 18 years of gain- willing to take any opportunities given. The spires me is when I see Ghana- ing experiences. I wouldn’t say I have case is still the same now and higher with ians driving successful business- arrived yet. I am still striving to get more graduates looking for jobs in a rather es. better and do more. I am very happy limited job market. I constantly searched for My Story Magazine is doing a and grateful for where I am now. It has job opportunities. great job at highlighting the sto- neither been easy nor terribly difficult. My friends informed me when they heard ries of entrepreneurs across the I am thankful to God for the oppor- of job offers anywhere. There was a man- country and beyond. However, I tunities that come my way. I believe it agement trainee advert by Standard Charted believe there is more to be done. is not because I am special but by the Bank but I didn’t make it in time because of More entrepreneurs and busi- grace of God. I come from a humble proximity (since I was at the Asuogyaman ness leaders need to share their background. District) and couldn’t put my things togeth- stories to foster growth. Ghana My mum was a nurse at Korlebu who er on time, so I missed it. There was anoth- has been through some major comes from Cape Coast. My dad was er opportunity which was apparently from setbacks such as the political doing quite well till he lost his job Unilever Ghana. We went through a series instabilities we were faced with during Rawlings’ regime and he never of training and selection processes but un- through the 60s to the early 90s. really worked afterwards and my moth- fortunately, I lost it to two of my colleagues Those times in our history were er had to work to sustain the family. from University of Ghana. I was discour- marked by seizure of business- They are still together. I got the best aged. Due to this, I explored other avenues. es among others. Sometimes, we education as I attended some of the I started a marketing course . Things took a tend to appreciate others rather best schools in Ghana and had very different turn when I went to a eatery with than our own and it is important good family support. Growing up, I my friends which was opposite St. Thomas we take a critical look at these surrounded myself with friends who Aquinas School. It was at that eatery where I things. Companies like Huawei helped shaped my life positively. met the Head of HR for Unilever who told and Samsung, and Airtel were me they had been searching for me. The fol- all started by young people who Our personalities, choices, decisions, lowing week, I went for a series of interviews were supported by their coun- risks we take or not, all influence who and I finally got the offer. That was how my tries to become big. We should we become. career started. encourage people with their After school, my national service was I have worked with companies such as Unile- dreams and encourage them to at the district Assembly of the Asuo- ver Ghana, British Tobacco, Standard Char- the international stage. I get ex- gyaman District. The District Assem- tered Bank, Celtel ( Zain/Kasapa), Voda- cited about working with mul- bly was my first glimpse into public fone, RLG and Ecobank. My critical success tinationals. I have worked with service. When I was finishing my na- factors have been based on people and great Ghanaians and learnt a lot from

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that. I think the benefit of working in a multination- Do you think entrepreneurship is playing a key role in Africa al company is the culture which you can pass down and do you think it will be able to solve most of our prob- years later especially for some of those Ghanaians lems? running their own businesses. People usually dwell on the negatives but I like to dwell on the positive ex- As Africans, we are entrepreneurial by nature and it is the way periences and opportunities. I believe there are both to go. The internet is making this possible these days. We should positives and negatives in everybody’s story but it is encourage people to go into entrepreneurship. We should venture usually the positive that drives their success. For me, into manufacturing, service delivery and export to gain foreign the role of the negatives is to help you learn and do currency. better. Most people focus on weaknesses but I believe it is better to focus on your strengths because leveraging on that can help us to deliver best results. This What will be your final advice to young entrepreneurs? is something we should embrace as Ghanaians. It is important that we develop our strengths so that we The first advice is that they shouldn’t lose their nerve or become exceptional at what we do. We tend to dwell shouldn’t give up. Secondly, let us believe in ourselves and on the negatives. I am grateful for where I am now have confidence in our capabilities. We should also make it and I am humbled. I hope other individuals who are a point to people’s ventures. Corruption is prevalent but it is building businesses and pursuing a career should be important that we make and effort to curb it. Let’s strive to determined and focused and remember that things build Ghana on the values of integrity and faith. don’t happen overnight but perseverance is key.

Can you share your experience at Tigo with us?

Most of the jobs I have done have mostly been about driving revenue, acquiring new customers, growing profitability. During my time at Tigo, I focused on people and performance. I worked with a lot of young people and helped them leverage on good opportunities and they have gone on to become key personalities in their various fields. This has been a legacy for me.

What has been your source of motivation?

The will to succeed. I do not want to fail at what I have been given to do. Again, the need to provide a decent living for myself. I want to leave a good legacy I love the fact that today, there are many young people doing for my family. exceptionally well. There are young people who can design and sew suite and other clothing which can match up to other de- What do you do for leisure? signers across the world. There is a young man who has a shoe making business. His brand is Alvanush, he makes great shoes. I love soccer. I love to play PS4. I read books from I have a pair of his shoes and whenever I wear them, people quality writers. I visit my mum at Cape Coast some- think I got it overseas. Chocolate Factory Clothing, a Ghana- times. I love music too and love to listen to artistes ian fashion brand is doing well on the international stage and such a Adina, Kidi and Kwame Eugene Bob Marley,- has been featured on CNN. We should support these Ghanaian Culture, Joe Mettle 2Pac, Daughters of Glorious Jesus brands by promoting and patronizing them and also help others and Ebony. I plan to tour Ghana on a road trip with to patronize our brands. my daughter

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better person. I didn’t always want to de- pend on my parents or guardian. Things were difficult at certain points and there was an incidence where our apartment was locked down because we didn’t have enough money to pay for our rent. We had nowhere to stay and it was winter, so I had to sleep on the couch at a friend’s place. But these are things that made me a better person. I remember going to live with a couple of my friends in Johannes- burg when I had my first job. I didn’t have a car so I had to commute to work by bus or train in bad weather conditions. These challenges helped me know that there could be difficult times and you should be able to persevere. Please tell us about yourself. Will you have done things differently looking at the journey so far? What are some of your greatest I am Michael Mensa-Bonsu (Junior). fears and how have you dealt with it I’m the first child of Mr. Michael Men- Not at all. Winston Churchill once said throughout the years? sa-Bonsu, popularly known as Kojo “History will be kind to me for I intend to write Bonsu and my mother is Ms Alexandra it”. This is a quote I live by. Life has been My greatest fear is failure. However, Totoe. I was educated here in Ghana. I so kind to me and my journey has been an I don’t let the fear of failure affect me. attended St. Theresa’s school (North experience. It has been challenging but yet Susan Jeffers made a striking statement Kaneshie) and Mfantsipim School (Cape still rewarding. I am actually quite grateful in her book which says ‘’ Feel The Fear Coast), after which I had the opportunity with what I’ve been able to achieve thus far. And Do It Anyway.’’ to pursue an IEB at St. Alban’s College in I have got this passion for what I am doing Pretoria, South Africa Having complet- and I love what I do. Sir Richard Branson ed successfully, I attended University of said “Entrepreneurship is about turning what ex- What are some of your greatest re- South Africa to read Economics and Fi- cites us in life into capital, so that you can do more grets? nance. Thereafter, I did a second degree of it and move forward with it”. I am passionate in BCom specializing in Brand Leader- about branding and I am striving to make a I don’t have regrets because I believe ship at Vega The Brand Communication living out of it. life is full of lessons. You need to create School in South Africa. a path for yourself. You ought to create What would you say motivates you? your own journey and as you do that, How was childhood and growing up you should be able to learn from them. like? Would you say influenced your Challenges I encounter are my source of I believe that our lives have already been choice of career? motivation. I am a very competitive person, mapped out by God. We should see the thus I never want to fail. Notwithstanding, experiences and mistakes in life as les- During my childhood I wanted to be- I have realised that failure is part of the sons. come an Aeronautical Engineer. I later learning curve. Though I don’t want to fail, changed my mind and decided to be a I make a conscious effort to learn from my If you are given another chance, how stockbroker. This informed my decision failures. would you do things differently? to major in Economics and Finance at the University of South Africa. After Can you share some of your challenges? Like I said earlier, I don’t have any regrets my first degree, I decided to explore the and if I have any shortfalls I learn from scope of other emerging trends such as Though people might think I have had cer- them. Marketing and Branding which were very tain luxuries, I have faced some challenges. popular. Though I wanted to give it a go, My parents didn’t present things to me on What have been some of your greatest I was skeptical. This was because, Mar- a silver platter but they provided me with achievements? keting was a subject I undertook in my the necessary opportunities such as good second year as part of my degree but I education. I lived there under supervision One of the things that has stood out for failed and had to rewrite it. However, I of my guardians, Dr. Samuel Annor and me was, when one of my mentors, Thebe decided to give it another try and I have his wife. I still faced some challenges of Ikalafeng, whom I am still in touch with, no regrets. Undoubtedly, the school I at- being on my own. There were instances gave me an opportunity in South Africa. tended remains one of the best branding where I didn’t have enough money and had He is a top thinker in the area of brand- schools in South Africa. With that being to do menial jobs after school to ensure I ing and I still have the privilege to work said, I wouldn’t say my childhood influ- had enough money to take care of myself. with him on various projects. I met him enced my choice of career. These experiences helped me to become a through Alfred Addo who is a friend and

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After 6 months of working at Cheil There has been an increase in entrepre- with ideas that are useful and can thrive across national ness. We also delved into her personal life beyond career among Ghana, I was taken to Korea for an neurship across the continent and the globe borders. You should be able to have a brand that should others. At Agoo Magazine, our focus now is to provide inter- MD planning conference, where I was from small scale enterprises to large corpo- be able to sell anywhere. Currently, shea butter is a high esting,new and diverse content so our readers will always be told I was going to be the new Manag- rations. What are your thoughts on it? demand commodity. A young lady has started a new shea enthused to read. ing Director of the Ghana office. I had butter brand called Hamamat. Her shea butter brand is go- the mandate to change the Cheil model I believe in entrepreneurship. We should give ing global. It is a brand I would like to use. What were some of the challenges you faced while you as Samsung Ghana was our client. This young people the opportunity to grow their worked on this edition? could have brought grave consequenc- brands. For instance, Korea gave a young entre- Can you share as your story of Agoo magazine then es but with the help of my abled team, preneur an opportunity to build Samsung and and now? It was quite difficult to get all the celebrities together for the we were able to bring on other clients everybody believed and bought into the brand. photo-shoot. Initially, we were to have eight people on the cov- to sustain the business. Within a year, In Ghana, we can talk of the likes of Darko Agoo Magazine then was what Instagram and Facebook er, but we had to settle for four. Getting other logistics in place we met our target of $ 1.2m of rev- Farms or Osei Kwame Despite who owns The are known for. Agoo magazine then was the Instagram or such as getting the right clothing, makeup artist, layout, produc- enue. Despite Group of Companies. These industrial- Facebook of the time. It was about lifestyle, people and tion among others was quite a challenge but we got past it and places. We have evolved over time. People are now in- delivered a brilliant issue. What are some of your principles terested in content; things they can read and learn from. and values? What advice will you give to My Story Magazine? Would you mentor My Story Magazine? The fear of God, discipline, respect and hardwork. Yes. I believe there is more room in our industry to to groom young people to do more. I would advise My Story Magazine Can you mention any books you to find a niche and stand out by doing things differently to be have read that really helped you? able to thrive.

One book that stands out is the auto- Finally, your general advice to young entrepreneurs? biography of Sir Alex Ferguson. It is a book that talks about how he turned I would like to urge young entrepreneurs not to limit them- a traditional football club into a suc- selves. They should challenge themselves. I believe the world an artist. He was going to see Thembe for cessful business enterprise as we have is their oyster. some discussions and I decided to go with it today. He basically used his manage- him. Alfred introduced me and indicated ment skills to nurture world stars like that I was looking for a job opportunity. Christiano Ronaldo, David Beckham After Thembe interviewed me, he realized among others. It takes a lot to manage how passionate I was and offered me an these big stars hence I enjoyed reading opportunity to work in a branding agency. the book. However, I am not a person He gave me the opportunity and taught me who believes in micro-management. everything I know about branding. For my managerial style, I believe as One of our greatest accomplishments individuals, we have a mind of our was the re-branding of Transnet which own and should be able to apply our is the largest and leading company in the mind. I give you an opportunity to freight logistics chain that delivers goods do what you know best. I direct you, across South Africa. I also worked on the when I realize you are not going about We still have a section for parties and functions called “In branding of The Passenger Rail Agency things the right way, the process needs ists in Ghana started small and they have been and Around Town”. We now focus on celebrating people of South Africa (PRASA) which is a state to be repeated until you get it right. I able to grow their brands over the years. and what they do. We do interviews on industry experts owned enterprise responsible for most am currently reading The Afro-centric whom the youth can learn from. For instance, we have a passenger rail services in South Africa. For Obama: The Lessons of Political Cam- Do you think it is the best way to solve section called ‘’Trailblazers’’ where we interview young other accomplishment, I returned to Gha- paigning which is another great book. some of African problems? people making an impact. We have interviewed the likes of na in 2013 and run the Ogilvy & Mather Andrew Ackah, a media expert and Ebenezer Saka Addo- Ghana office as Strategy and Business De- What do you do for leisure and so- Yes. We need to be able to push the entrepre- Mensah, a real estate expert. In their feature, they talked velopment Director with the Managing Di- cialization? neurship agenda. There is a wave of entrepre- about their experiences, challenges and how they made it. rector Mr Gil Kemami. The key focus was neurship sweeping across the continent. In Even though it is a lifestyle magazine, it is one to learn to establish and grow the Ogilvy & Mather I love football. I’m an Arsenal fan. I Ghana, we can talk about Sam Jonah, Dangote from. Our July 2018 issue had a musical theme where brand in Ghana. I was also responsible for love watching football and spending in Nigeria, Patrice Motsepe of South Africa. we featured the likes of Reggie Rockstone, Stonebwoy, year-on-year company growth (revenue time with the family. I love traveling to These are entrepreneurs who have seen it all. Kwabena Kwabena, and Amaarae. It was supposed to be a and profit). new business creation across other countries to learn what they are blend of old school and new school musicians in Ghana. communication disciplines, improve cli- doing differently and how we can learn Given an opportunity, how can they scale We also have a section called Agoo Business where we in- ent retention and business strategy. In July from them. up globally? terview top CEOs. In our April 2018 issue, we interviewed 2015, I got a new opportunity with Cheil Vodafone CEO Yolanda Cuba. She talked about what they Ghana as Strategy and Campaign Director. I would encourage entrepreneurs to come up Vodafone and what they were striving to achieve as a busi-

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Msm; Can you share your story with My final internship, which led to the us?From where you started in your International Business Development career and how you finally ventured role that I am currently in, was at PROJ- into the International Business De- ECT Tradeshow. I didn’t know much velopment field? about the trade show industry before I met Sharifa Murdock. At that time she I moved to New York City in 2007 was the Sales Director at PROJECT, with a student visa. I initially started the leading mens fashion trade show in my college education as a fashion the U.S. She took me under her wing major but quickly realized my pas- as an intern and taught me everything sion for International Business and about the business. After a year, I was changed my major after only one se- promoted to Executive Assistant to the mester. I was still very interested in President of the company. I continued learning about the Fashion industry progressing gradually and worked as and since I couldn’t work (for pay) the Business Coordinator to the CEO with my student visa I decided to fo- at that time, Tom Florio. This role was cus interning for fashion companies definitely the most challenging one yet. so I could gain experience. Florio who was the former Publishing Director of Vogue Magazine operated My first internship was at Essence on such a high level that I hadn’t en- Magazine. I remember walking into countered before. The long office hours, the office for the first time and seeing constant travelling and constructive crit- all of these beautiful and professional icism forced me to sharpen my skills. I corporate black women working in was determined to win in this role. In one space. It was life changing. While hindsight, I realize that Florio was a growing up in Sweden, I didn’t really leader that showed tough love because have any black role models to look he wanted me to be more efficient and Edwina is an INTERNATIONAL BUSI- up to. I never had a black teacher or effective. I admire him for his determi- NESS DEVELOPMENT | FASHION doctor. Realizing this contrast was an nation to make me better. After years of |WORLD TRAVELER | MULTILINGUAL important and pivotal moment in my working in International Sales, I even- | BUSINESS STRATEGIST..... life. I was no longer the token black tually landed the International Business girl and it felt great.After interning in Development role that I operate today. Born and raised in Sweden by Ghanaian par- the Essence Fashion department for This role involves helping international ents, Edwina Kulego manages Internation- almost a year, I worked for Andy Hil- fashion brands gain access into the U.S al Business Development at UBM Fashion figer at Tommy Hilfiger in the Fash- market. Being at UMB Fashion over the Group. This role includes helping internation- ion and Entertainment department. past 8 years, I have had the opportunity al fashion brands create pathways into the US During this experience I learned how to work with emerging and established market. to coordinate a New York Fashion brands in various categories such as She began her career working for Zara/ Indi- Week show, which was a major under- men’s, women’s, children’s, accessories tex Group, as a Sales Manager in Copenhagen, taking. I learned first hand about the and footwear. I truly enjoy working with Denmark. She moved to New York in 2007 amount of hours and stress it took to brands and helping them attain their where she interned at various companies such produce a show on that level. Andy goals. as Essence Magazine, Tommy Hilfiger and Hilfiger taught me the importance of PROJECT Trade show. staying true to who you are in a dy- In 2016, I ventured into entrepreneur- namic industry like Fashion and hav- ship and launched my cosmetics brand, Edwina has established herself as a prominent ing fun while doing it. Essentials By Edwina, in collaboration figure within the fashion and global business space, engaging in public speaking, brand col- laborations, philanthropy and strategic part- nerships with brands such as Shoe Shoe Bags and Celfie Cosmetics. Her passion for women empowerment has lead to features with platforms like She Leads Africa, Guardian Women, Her Network and Womeneur. Fluent in Swedish, English, Ga, Twi (Ghanaian language) and proficient in Danish.

In interview with MSM, EDWINA shared her story on how she took the bold step to becoming who she is today.

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What will be your advice to others especially the youth about the effects of comfort zones and on the importance of entrepreneurship?

Success isn’t birthed from comfort zones. When I decided to move to New York and study in College at the age of 19 many of my friends in Sweden projected their fears on me and tried to convince me to stay (in my comfort zone). I knew that there was something bigger for me out there and I trusted my intuition. As I grow older, I am learning the importance of being brutally with Celfie Cosmetics. Essentials by Edwina I am motivated by my grandmother and honest with myself; facing my fears head mother’s journeys. They are two ambitious on. A true labor of love is what I call my com- entrepreneurs who supported their fami- pany. Everyday, I wake up feeling motivat- lies through hard work and determination. Entrepreneurship is important if that is ed to create positive solutions for women. I realized that I belong to a bloodline of your passion and desire. Am I comfort- Our products are vegan and cruelty free lip- extraordinary women and I am committed able working for myself? Am I the type sticks for the everyday woman who loves to to growing that legacy. My seven month old of person that likes flexibility or stabili- look her best. We recently joined Essence daughter, Legacy Naa Elinam Carter. ty? I think its ok to admit that you don’t Marchewhich which is an e-commerce desire the high risk and fluctuation that comes with entrepreneurship. Being hon- platform powered by Essence Magazine What are some of the principles, philoso- CONTACT: +233 245 743 599 to support black female entrepreneurs. We phies and values you ascribe to? est about the type of business person you are very excited about this partnership and are will save you a lot of valuable time and many others in the pipeline. I never thought Cheap things are costly. Don’t take the easy money. I am a hybrid; I enjoy my corpo- VISIT US AT EAST LEGON, SHIASHIE rate job and learning how to run an orga- I would be working in the beauty industry route to success, put in the work. Nothing ADJACENT THE GALLERY but I believe that the time I spent in my works unless you do. A goal without ac- nization but I also love entrepreneurship mothers salon helped me develop my pas- tion is just a wish. Be positive; stop going and am extremely fulfilled by it. sion for making women look and feel their through life thinking everyone is against best. you. Focus on the positive and watch your My advice is to look yourself in the mirror life evolve from darkness to light. Support and ask yourself the brutally honest ques- What will you say motivates you? others, there is blessing in giving and help- tions to help you find your purpose. ing others.

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Calvin Allen Agbenyo is a dynamic fashion entrepreneur. His passion for promoting the African continent especially Ghana inspires his style and design.

He believes in apprenticeship and also believes in mentoring.

After his university degree, he decided to venture fully into entrepreneurship where he veered into fashion which was his passion. He begun selling suits and gradually through the support of his elder brother Mr Clement Agbenyo , he opened his first shop called Clecal at East Legon. He was the first person to start a boutique on the Bar- clays Bank road.

Within a short period of time, he decided to di- versify into other things such as producing popular African styles such as kaftan. He has a team of experienced tailors who he works with.

Due to his knack for excellence and precision, he has gained lots of recognition.

Calvin is twenty six years old married to Mrs. Ag- benyo Allen Georgina and they have a son Ag- benyo Allen Troy. CALVIN He believes entrepreneurship is the way to go for every African, and thus fully support startups who are trying to create a niche for themselves by solving a problem rather than staying up without doing nothing. ALLEN He believes that entrepreneurship and partnership are critical factors for success. AGBENYO CLECAL LUXURIES

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What will be your advice to others especially the youth about the importance of entrepreneurship? In Ghana, it is difficult to gain employment in several companies. So, I think it is best people use their talents or what they are good at to set up businesses. Don’t wait for anyone to help you while you can help yourself. From my opinion, it is better to set up your own business than waiting for employment from the big companies.

The decision to become a barber was just an idea I thought of at a certain point. That is when I started it. Funny enough, I didnt have any idea about the art of barbering but I secured a shop for that. I gave my first customer a very horrible haircut. Out of anger, the boys in the area decided to beat me so I had to run away. I spent three days in town before I returned. During this period, I slept in front of shops. Later, I decided to sleep in the shop instead. From then, I started to learn from my mistakes. I started doing well so people visited my shop often. Unfortunately, the shop got burnt while I was sleeping there but thankfully, I didn’t get hurt. After a while, I got a new shop and started working again.

What are some of your greatest fears? Can you tell us a bit about yourself ? Family, educational back- Due to the hard times I faced, I dont think of fear. ground My family consists of seven people (including me). I am a secondary What are some of your greatest regrets? If given school graduate. the chance, how would you do things differently? I will say that my greatest regret was spending money Can you share some of your experiences while growing up? Would in the film industry. you say it influenced your choice of a career path? My early years were filled with difficult times and challenges due to my What have been some of your greatest moments? background. Things were very difficult for us. I wouldnt say any of my Through my work as a barber, I have met people experiences influenced my work as a barber. In Ghana, barbers are seen from all walks of life. Having to work with these peo- as people who don’t have a good educational background. ple including celebrities has been a privilege. Can you share your story with us? Tell us where you started your There has been an increase in entrepreneurship career and how you finally ventured into the barbering industry? in Ghana and Africa. What are your thoughts on At first, I lived in Cape Coast. That is where I schooled and began life. it? Do you think it can help solve our problems? My mother used to go to the beach to purchase fresh fish which she I believe it is the way forward. It is my dream to help preserved (smoked) after which I sold. We did this for a while till she as many youths to venture into this trade. I believe ventured into farming after acquiring a land from the elders of the com- other entrepreneurs can also help train people to munity. She focused on mixed cropping. I sold the crops once we har- boost entrepreneurship and the economy. vested. On other occasions too, I sold maize and groundnut popularly known as ‘’nchiwrie’’. The business was going well until we heard of some film production in Accra. So, we abandoned the business and came to live in Accra. I continued to sell maize and groundnut to support the family and cater for location expenses. Initially all seemed to be going well until things began to fall apart. I started selling ‘‘pure water’’ to make ends meet. After a while, I started fan yoghurt business because it was more profitable.

20 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 21 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE the best way to solve some of Africa’s challenges and improve the lives of people?

He’s the CEO of Rico Properties Limit- Alvin; The increase in entrepreneurship ed. Rico Properties is into construction and across the continent and the globe is building of affordable housing projects for an excellent thing, especially among the high and middle income earners. youth because it’s greatly decreasing the extremely high rates of unemployment Be inspired! and increasing innovation and creativity among the youth. Msm; Can you tell us a bit about yourself? fear? family, educational background. Alvin: My greatest fear I’d say is be- My name is Alvin Nana Kwame Ofori, I ing alone. Success, progress, accom- Msm; What will be your advice to others was born on the 28th day of November plishments and wealth cannot be fully especially the youth about the effects of 1988. I am a proud alumnus of Labone enjoyed if you don’t share these mile- comfort zones and on the importance of Senior High School and briefly attended stones with the people you love. entrepreneurship? Winsconsin University College in Accra. I am the second child to an Akuapem moth- Msm; What have been some of your Alvin; My advice to the youth, is that er and Ewe father. Unfortunately, both of greatest accomplishments? every good thing requires a sacrifice, them passed when I was very young. sometimes the sacrifice. Sometimes, it Alvin; I believe having Jesus as my requires us to step out of our comfort Msm; How was your childhood and grow- Lord and Personal Saviour is my zones and taking calculated risks to ing up like. Would you say it influenced your greatest accomplishment because achieve those dreams and visions. How- choice of a career path? without nothing supersedes that. ever, careful planning and advice from the right mentors in the field is a great Alvin; I discontinued my tertiary education Msm; Can you mention three books way to start.A quote by Warren Buffet at Wisconsin University to venture into the you have read and how they changed I love is “It’s good to learn from your transport business and later into real es- your life? mistakes, it’s better to learn from other tate. I started real estate as a broker and people’s mistakes I’m now a developer and I would say the Alvin; drive to build things up influenced my ca- -Rich dad poor dad by Robert Kiyo- reer choice. Growing up, I saw many people saki who were accomplished in life but hadn’t -The richest man in Babylon by attended the biggest schools in the world George Samuel Clason so I always believed that a clear vision, hard -Sell Or Be Sold: How to Get Your- work and determination makes the differ- Way in Business and in Life by Grant ence. However, having a good education is Cardone an added advantage. Msm; There has been an increase in Msm; Can you share your story with us? entrepreneurship across the continent From where you started in your career and and the globe from small scale enter- how you finally ventured into the real estate prises to large corporations. What are sector? your thoughts on it? Do you think it’s

Alvin: Growing up without my parents and being tsent to various family members made me yearn to create a conducive environment for my family and also for other families, and I believe a house is a funda- mental item that can promote unity in the home, so that’s what motivates me each day to do what I do.

Msm; What will you say is your greatest

22 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 23 HOME FITTINGS& DECOR

ABOUT US SERVICES WE OFFER Casa Vendas is a limited liability company involved in property • Sale of Medium Density Fiber Panels and kitchen unit sales. As per property sales, we serve as for (Gloss & Matte) and Accessories agents for developers who execute the sales transaction from A to Z on behalf of the developer • Kitchen Unit Installation • Wardrobe Installation On the decor section, we offer modern home accessories and • Interior Decor fittings to both developers and individual owners. These includes kitchen units and appliances, wardrobes, and closets *Panels and accessories are available doors, lighting, and cooling system units among others in Wholesale, Retail and Single Sales

Call Us Today GhanaPostGPS Address Visit Us At (GA-247-7313) Lindsay Park, Signal Rd, Accra, Ghana www.jlpropertiesestates.com 0302 42924 993www.mystorymagazine.com 0243 690 588 www.mystorymagazine.com 25 show dubbed The Entrepreneur to dis- I mostly write books during my lei- cuss my journey of being a travel con- sure time. I have a book blog site sultant and setting up my own business. with over 1000 visitors from Ghana and around the world who read. I’m *Loyalty to my clients, humility and re- not much of a social freak but some- lating well with clients are values that I times I hang out with a few people don’t joke with.* either on a tour basis or to attend life changing seminars. The next thing to My philosophy in life is to make the do is to be traveling different desti- most of the little I have and to stand up nations for adventure and relaxation. strongly for what I believe in. I believe in entrepreneurship and I “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon think the increase in entrepreneur- Hill made me change my way of think- ship across the African continent and ing and taught me how to be smart, all over the globe is highly recom- another book that changed how I see mendable as it creates employments the world and taught me to be a bet- leading to better quality of life. ter and moral person is “Anna kareni- na” by Leo Tolstoy. The third book I’ll My advice to the youth is to follow say is the bible, it contains everything their dreams, be passionate about we need and I turn to it everytime I am whatever you have interest in. Entre- troubled. preneurship is an attractive thing

Cindy Murielle Amoako -Nuamah is the CEO of Cytick- I get motivated when I see women setting standards in the ets and reservation travel consult, an online travel agency that society and the world at large. I mean respectable standards. provides hotel booking services, ticket reservations, custom- It made me question myself and what I was doing. Someone ized tour packages, visa processing services, passport services like the CEO of Hair Senta , Gwen Addo motivated me when and more. She is 23 years old. Cindy attended De Youngsters I heard of how she started her business and where it is now. International School, St. Mary’s Senior High School, Antrak Training Centre (flight operations) and Ghana Civil Aviation- My greatest fear I would say is failure and challenging oppor- Academy (International Travel & Tourism) for her basic, tunities. I used to be so scared of pursuing new opportunities secondary and tertiary education respectively. especially if they were challenging because I didn’t want to fail or be humiliated but now I can boldly say I’ve managed I grew up with strict parents. My dad was a teacher by then be- to stay positive and focused . I tell myself if I fail, I’ll learn fore becoming an administrator of a school so I was expected and grow from my mistakes. Successful people started from to excel in my academics and always learn hard. I wouldn’t say somewhere , had setbacks but didn’t give up so I won’t also my growing up influenced my choice of career, I would rather give up. I rather embrace the opportunities now. say seeing a lot of people travel abroad when I was young made me passionate about travel or aviation at large. My greatest regret was to waste about a year of my life think- After completing my flight operations course with Antrak ing being a cabin crew was the only career in aviation that I Air, could pursue. I studied international travel and tourism. I got a job as a My journey has been amazing so far, some of my major travel agent after school but it was very stressful and there was achievement so far are; winning the 2nd prize for a wom- not much use of my skills there so I started my own my own en’s essay competition organised by the American Embassy travel and tour business with GH 100 cedis with Miss Malaika for secondary schools in Ghana, in the year 2012. I passed 2016,Leah Brown as my first client. It paved way for more cli- my flight operations course with distinction in 2014 and also ents for me. With time, I couldn’t balance two work schedules passed IATA Canadian international diploma exams in 2017. so I quit my job and started focusing on my business. In 2018, I was interviewed by a Tv station Cineplustv on a

26 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 27 in 2019. In the same year, she Aurelia Abena Attipoe is a was invited to present a prog- graduate of Computer Science ress report on Pitch Hub in and Statistics from the Univer- Paris as part of the 2018 Global sity of Ghana.Through various Youth Forum. internships and projects, she has gained experience in Proj- She has always lent her voice ect Management, Technology, and strength to initiatives that Marketing and Sales in Ghana, empower women and young Cameroon, Nigeria, South Afri- people. ca and United Kingdom. Aurel- ia is the Founder of Pitch Hub, Aurelia was selected to be a a social enterprise that focuses panelist at the 2018 Arise Sum- on equipping young entrepre- mit. This gave her the opportu- neurs between the ages of 18 nity to share the platform with and 35 with soft skills necessary various distinguished women to grow their business and sso- such as Her Excellency Jewel cial enterprises. She presented Taylor, Vice President of Libe- this project at the 2017 Global ria, Rosa Whitaker, CEO of the Youth Forum held in Dubai and Whitaker Group and Mrs. Ellen emerged the overall winner. In Hagan, the CEO OF L’AINE 2018, Ms. Attipoe interned with Services to encourage young Bank of America Merrill Lynch women in Ghana. Ms. Attipoe during the summer andwill be was selected as a diplomat for joining the bank as an employee the 2018 Cohort of the

Young Diplomats of Ghana. religious organisations among She is a social activist and an en- others to encourage entrepre- trepreneur who seeks to trans- neurship among young people form Africa and the world. who have the drive and passion for business. For more informa- About Pitch Hub tion kindly visit: The Pitch Hub is a social enter- http://www.pitchhubghana. prise that focuses on facilitating com training of young entrepreneurs in the art of pitching their busi- What we seek to achieve this ness ideas and connects them year to investors both locally and We aim at starting the Pitch internationally for funding. The Hub Fund where we can give Pitch Hub with support from out seed fund to the businesses partners provides business con- we train. We are looking for- sulting to the group of entre- ward to training more entrepre- preneurs selected each year to neurs and embarking on various help grow their business. We outreach programs. also undertake outreach programs to tertiary institutions,

28 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 29 serves to move forward with you, you’ll Abrefi grew up at Awudome Estates, never be able to grow if you are afraid. The North Kaneshie where she lived with her past doesn’t always belong to the future . father, grandmother and siblings . Grow- ing up, she had so many ambitions. At She mentions that Jan-Philip Sendker’s different points, she wanted to become Whispering Shadows is a book she enjoyed a nurse, an air hostess, then later she be- so much. She says it thought her the im- came interested in running her own busi- portance of sacrifice. nesses. She is a graduate of Methodist University with a degree in Business Ad- During her leisure, Abrefi does research ministration (Management major) work and also watch movies. She’s of the view that as most African Abrefi was greatly influenced by her countries are grappling with the issue of grandmother during her formative years unemployment, she believes if more peo- which led her to pursue what she’s cur- ple are encouraged to go into entrepre- rently noted for. neurship, it will not only improve their lives Her grandmother made fruit juice and but also reduce unemployment rate. jam from fruits that were in abundance in their house. She also recalls that her In her final words,she is of the view that grandmother often cooked different nothing is achieved when we are in our herbs as remedy for their ailments. comfort zones. She admonished young entrepreneurs to work hard and strive to At a point, her quest to loose weight led be successful. She also indicated that she her to conduct extensive research on var- won’t have been able to achieve what she ious fruits. This curiousity, later grew to had if she didn’t have support from her become a business. family and friends, all of whom she’s grateful to. Her first major event was for a party in Feedback from clients and consumers also May 2016. Through that first event, she bring her satisfaction. received great referrals and that’s when Her greatest fear is leaving the earth without her business started to grow. Her core making an impact . business focus is serving her clients with mouth watering yet nutritious smoothies, These are a few words she had to share : juice, cocktail needs. Kandy’s Smoothies Lab have been present at several ma- “I deal with setbacks by looking for the silver jor events such as Chalewote, Black Art lining in my struggles and remind myself of Street Festival in Tema, Tidal Rave, Voda- all the positive aspects in the setback.” fone 10cedis shop initiative as well as many others. “I also don’t dwell on failure , I have a short memory for them, I simply learn from what As part of their corporate social respon- went wrong and apply those lessons the next sibilities , they have sponsored and sup- time I’m in a similar situation.” ported charity programs such as the just “My greatest regret is not starting this earlier, ended Miss Hygiene Ghana and “Project if given the chance I would have started this share your wear” an initiative by the Per- earlier when my grandmother was around, she vita foundation.Kandy’s Smoothie Lab would have helped me a lot. ” currently has branch in the United King- dom. She’s had the opportunity to help people to- She believes that what has made them wards living a healthy lifestyle with Rocky m stand out is that, they use 100% nat- Dawuni Dzifa Gray, Ameyaw Debrah giving ural products. No artificial sweeteners or positive feedback. She’s also had the chance preservatives added -which makes it even to share her story on the Morning Ride show more plausible. This she believes makes on Metro TV. their cherished clients prefer them for She mentions that she doesn’t suffer from the their cocktail events , barbecues , wedding need to be right in every situation but rather reception etc. take the opinions of others and analyze them from a point of view. This is her principle as She’s motivated both by the challenges of an entrepreneur. being an entrepreneur and life-long learning . She believes that if you stop learning She also believes that you do not have to be you are ineffective in an environment that afraid to loose people in the journey of be- is constantly changing . coming an entrepreneur . Not everyone de-

30 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 31 Isaac Sesi is an entrepreneur, software developer and embedded systems engineer. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Sesi Technologies, an AgriTech company which develops hardware and software solutions for stakeholders across the agric value chain. He is also the co -founder of two (2) other startups, Invent Electronics and GravyCode.

He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from KNUST. Isaac is a Tony Elumelu Fellow a Next Ein- stein Forum finalist and a World Summit Awards National Winner. He was recently selected as one of the 50 most influental young Ghanaians for 2018.

His passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) led him to start Nsesa Foundation, a non-profit whose vision is to inspire an Innovation revo- lution in Africa and encourage young Africans in solving problems using science and technology. Nsesa Founda- tion’s programs have trained hundreds of high school students have reached over 300,000 people across the world since 2013.

Isaac regularly writes on entrepreneurship, personal development and productivity on his blog, isaacsesi.com and as; • Coverup by Selorm (Nether- • Tutu Makeup GH, co-hosts The African Entrepreneur Podcast, a podcast for Benjamin Boateng is the • Eclipse Broadcasting Net- lands), • Nas Hair, African Entrepreneurs. Founder of EDMC, a branding work, • The African Child Vision • Lyern’s Hair and many more. and marketing strategy agency • New Age of Style and Beauty 2020 Foundation, located at Achimota, Accra. (UK), • WE Festival Africa, Our goal is to provide compre- Benjamin is an expert in creat- • Studio 7 Beauty Lounge, • Raising Readers Ghana, hensive brand strategies and so- ing and managing digital con- • Broadway Industrial Supplies, • Glam Hair, cial media marketing programs tent and marketing strategies • Davies Palace, • Belle Plus, that integrate smoothly with to build and expand the online • The A Show, • Shik Collection, other marketing and advertis- awareness and reach of brands • Oils & Butters by Ohui • Auntie Odo (USA), ing programs and messaging, and businesses. He is a graduate • Belleza Boxe • Retreat Lingeries, whether on-line or on other of KNUST. • Beauty Brands Gh • Zynab Ayesha Passah, media as well as develop and . • Baby & Mom Wear • Junior Bee Fabrics, design websites and mobile Expert Digital Marketing • Riovian Skin • Rhovel Lifestyle, apps that are fully functional Consult is a provider of expert • MB Homes • Vielang Studios, and responsive and serve the brand strategies, website and • Zynnell Zuh, • Vendajules Artistry, specific needs of our clients. social media marketing services • Selly Galley, • VNS Beauty Shop, among others.. We have been • Fadi B • Fixylooks Artistry, in operation for 3 years with • Rholin Apparels, • Kukies Closet, experience in delivering brand • Ella Cadie Jewellery, • Sophydel (Quatar), strategy services, with a long • Blended Beauty (Belgium) • Glitter by Samfrigy, list of satisfied customers such • Heritage Links (USA), • Season Doll,

www.mystorymagazine.com 32 www.mystorymagazine.com 33 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE

Can you share the challenges with us How will you describe yourself ? and how has it been emerging as a winner at the Kosmos Innovation initiative? I am a free-spirited lady who is open to learning and striving to make an impact The experience and exposure was definitely through media, technology and agricul- worth it. Kosmos Innovation Center be- ture. lieves in nurturing one entrepreneur at a time. They believed in us and our objectives Do u think entrepreneurship is the and there is nothing more profound than ultimate way to solving the problems that. . Eventually, we won the seed fund of of Africa? 50,000 dollars for Lojaanor. Alex Calvin Gbetie, Roseline Nketsiah-Essoun, Em- Well, I know we can create more jobs manuel Tetteh Apeku and Benjamin Setor through entrepreneurship but if an en- Aflakpui. trepreneur’s business growth is stifled how much impact can it make in solving What informed your decision in choos- Africa’s problem. Government should ing the name Lojaanor? strive to build and implement solutions themselves by involving indigenes to Lojaanor means fish market in the local Ga solve their own problems. dialect. I decided to use this brand identity to reflect my Ga origin. Your final words to upcoming entrepreneurs especially female entrepre- What are you looking forward to in the neurs coming months with respect to Lo- jaanor? I’m also an upcoming entrepreneur in the process of learning and wish to en- I will want to build a resilient brand that is courage others to do their best. customer centered and give customers value for their money.

Can you tell us a little about your family background? Can you tell us a bit about what you do? I belong to a big family. My cousins, neph- I am a media and communications profes- ews and nieces are always at home with us. sional by academic qualification and practice. It’s almost always a full house with so much I work on productions with Adesa Produc- fun. I have always been introverted and nev- tions Limited/TV3 of Media Generale which er really wanted to be in the spotlight but I do on part time basis. I spend most of my hey, here we are. At a point, my dad wanted time running a business start-up, ProFish me to become a doctor. I also loved writing Ghana Limited, with my teammates. ProFish as a child. I used to write poems and short Ghana Limited is a company leveraging on stories. technology to transform the fisheries sector in the country. We are currently running our What will you say motivates you? flagship product, Lojaanor, which is a fish supply chain platform that facilitates the dis- I will say I thrive on self-motivation. If I tribution of fish for our farmers and on an- want something, I go all out to get it done other hand, ensure that consumers can buy so I keep pushing. I also draw a lot of healthy wholesome fish. All they need to do strength from God. is dial our short code, *800*28# and then we have the fish delivered to them. How do you deal with setbacks?

What inspired you to venture into this I hate it when I fail but now, I have grown field? to appreciate it and take cues from them. I learnt during the Kosmos Innovation Cen- I have always wanted to start a business from tre program to fail quickly and learn fast childhood but never considered a business in agriculture. When I participated in the Kos- What are some of your greatest regrets? mos Innovation Center programs, I became very much interested in the agricultural space. Well, I don’t have regrets. My mistakes have become a major learning curve for me.

34 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 35 Through constant deliberation on idea and concep- tualization with the objective to serve customers, Alewa Republic was birthed. It is a small emerging brand of creatives, providing corporate branding and marketing, concept development and social media promotion.

UNFPA, Male Model Africa, Accra Mens Fashion Week now Ghana Mens Wear Week, Head of State Awards Ghana(HOSA), Everpure Ghana, TN Records (TIC TAC), GJA (Press Cente) worked on their press freedom day banners, Fekko Spray Starch, Transnet Freight Rail (SA), Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM), European Union, Africa Digital Awards, Creative Spaces GH, Graphic, GREDA, etc

marketing and has wealth of and the consortium for West Training, American Field Ser- Esinam Afi Seade is a Busi- experience in this field. She also African Consultative group.She vice (AFS) Global Networking ness Development Consultant, worked briefly in the Foreign gives attention to building net- events, Model ECOWAS Sum- Private Trade and Investment affairs office of the country works and relationships. mits, MOREMI Initiative Afri- Advisor, a distinguished Events and continuously volunteer- can Summits, among others. Management Consultant and swith non profit organisations Miss Seade was named one of a former Trade Services Sup- within the 100 most influential women She is trained as a Civic Edu- port officer at the British High in Ghana in 2016 by womanris- cationist under the U.S Bureau Commission, Accra.She is the Miss Seade was crowned Miss ing.org due to mentorship roles of Cultural Affairs’ Civic Edu- Co-founder of Essydel Events, ECOWAS (Economic Com- she plays in shaping the ambi- cation training in Washington a company that provides event munity of West African States) tions of young women like her DC. She is also a Health Ed- management services to repu- Ghana in 2013 and became to reach their goals, as well as ucationist trained by the Iowa table international brands. the Youth Peace Ambassador taking up entrepreneurship ini- Resource for International Ser- through that initiative in the tiatives. vice and the American Coun- She is currently a consultant sub region. She was the second cils. for Universal Music Group, female to become the President For the past seven years, has Cylo Media UK, Happydown of the Students’ Representative been engaged in training and Esi Seade holds a Bachelor’s UK, among others. She is also a Council of the University of mentoring of young Degree from the University of lead consultant for an advisory Ghana and served on the Uni- leaders especially girls within Ghana, Secondary Education company called Investfield Af- versity Governing Council for a secondary schools and univer- Diplomas from Union High rica that specializes in support- one-year term. sities in Ghana. School, Camas Washington ing businesses with interests to State, USA and Keta Senior explore emerging markets in In 2016, she participated as a She is a prolific public speaker High School in Ghana. the African sub region. youth representative in the con- who spoken at a lot of pro- In her previous positions, she sortium for the Women Situa- grams organised by TedX, played roles in branding and tion Room of the UN Women YALI West Africa Fellowship

36 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 37 About three years ago I started TimePieceGh with only 50 Ghana Cedis. Through innovation and effective strategy, it has become a very popular watch retail- ing business in Ghana.

Its basically an import and retail watch business. I was amazed and disappointed to see that there were no significant watch brands in Africa when I ventured into this business.

I decided to manufacture a watch brand that will be at par with the respected brands in the global market. I absolutely had no doubts in my mind with the significant impact I could make. I started from the basics by learning leather work and eventually started making handmade watch straps. I also started learning how to repair watches.

To build this watchmaking craft, I started manufacturing wooden wall clocks from pieces of logs. After which I decided to study Horology through a Swiss online course. I started making various sketches and designs. My designs were influenced by the global market and Africa. With these two concepts, I designed a watch that will meet international standards yet having the authentic feel of Africa to remind us of our origins.

I was inspired by the durability and ingenuity of the original cavemen, thus, the brand CAVEMAN

38 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 39 40 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 41 COVER STORY COVER STORY ing adverts are second nature to the man whose In every part of the world, outstanding peo- itual). and attitude were to die for. Even though television commercials, radio campaigns, contemporaries call The Darkwah, The King of ple are admired and celebrated: he wasn’t that much older than most of us documentaries and public events are only “From my BAT (then Pioneer Tobacco Swagger or simply His Royal Blackness. Some for their charity, sacrifice, resource- “KKD THE FINEST has this gift of who adored and loved him and replicated his a tip of the phenomenon that is HIS ROY- Company) days till now KKD has been The competence and confidence in his scripts and fulness or honesty & some for their beauty, taking any item or bit of an idea we ways, his skill, dexterity and command of AL BLACKNESS. one of the most amazing characters who fluent delivery are evident in his adverts today as civility or ingenuity. view as mundane and turning it into the microphone, language and turn tables; has nurtured and grown his personal back then on the Morning Shows he presented on Whilst the admiration trucks on year after an entire marketing campaign, pro- he was obviously leaps and bounds ahead Speaking to him at his arty offices at The brand to such a Powerful as well as suc- national radio at GBC 2, Evening Serenades as well year, the big celebrations are often delayed gramme for broadcast or special event. of his juniors, contemporaries and seniors: Darkwah Plaza, he flashed his signature cessful level. as Highlife Agogo, Guitar Bandstand, Music Miscellany, till people are very old and frail or dead and His creativity, fluency and consistency he was the STANDARD!! When he did a infectious smile, oozed calm confidence His story must be told and in fact shared Sunset Melodies or his own show Pops on the Move (to buried. for over 30 years in the Broadcast Me- transition into the corridors of power and and shared nuggets of wisdom that are among the many up and coming young put you in the groove) on GBC 95.7 FM. At My Story Magazine, we aim to applaud dia, Brand Management, and Culture & decision-making, he further gave us a clue characteristic of a learned yet grounded folk who are in such a great hurry to be- and celebrate the outstanding whilst they Tourism sectors, as well as his unique, on how to chart our career path. A brother, a gentleman. come great overnight. From very humble Coining catchphrases, rhyming with cheeky ease are alive and thriving so the many they have greatly imitated but never duplicated friend, a role model and a consummate com- beginnings of a club operator, assistant and dazzling with consistent brilliance, he educat- uplifted or mentored, and many more they style, earned him his iconic status” says municator is how I will always remember MSM: Welcome Mr Kyei Darkwah, we DJ, MC, radio presenter and voice-over ed, informed and entertained with peculiar savvy inspire may share in the joy of their story. Afro Pop music legend The Maestro him...KKD! MR. MAGIC.as they say on the tried to reach you on your birthday, artiste, KKD through diligence, consis- on national television shows Weekend Rendez- Kojo Antwi. streets: “you do all plus more” - Kwami Sefa then throughout the holiday season tency, great taste in fashion, impeccable vous, Music For You, Weekend Spectacular, In After considering many inspirational per- Kayi aka Chairman General. and New Year celebrations all through manners and mastery of both the Twi Style, The Valentine Specials or his eponymous formers, our choice for this edition is a dis- A breath of fresh air, Darkwah’s great com- Valentine Day to no avail. and English language endeared himself KKD 45 talk show. His charisma and fame led tinguished son of Africa with unparalleled mand of language, and smooth mixes of The Darkwah’s cultured cosmopolitan manner to many ; young and old, lay and clerical, director Janet Owusu to cast him in the lead for mastery of his craft. A doting father, a mas- beautiful music selections from golden old- has endeared him to the educated, the well-trav- HRB: Sorry about that. We were working male and female, local and international. her TV drama Minister of State, and he didn’t dis- ter communicator, and gentleman of Gha- ies to the spanking new, earned him a place elled and the well-heeled but also the modest and long hours but made sure to set an ap- From writing copy to producing excit- appoint. He still has his pristine copy of the script naian heritage who has greatly influenced as the new kid on the block on national ra- upwardly mobile folk putting in the work with a pointment so I could sit with you at your ing commercials, speaking candidly and from some 30 years ago in his office. the Media, Brands, Culture & Style land- dio and television by age 20. His influence desire to improve themselves. convenience. Delighted to meet you. scape on the continent and the diaspora. on youth and pop culture have been simply contributing meaningfully at executive All these in addition to a display of great talent in committees, hosting national events to copy and speech writing, producing and directing He is no other than The Finest himself - amazing as many in leading roles in Media, “His language and style are definitely not entertaining the audience as a true star, King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah also known as Arts, Culture & Tourism today attest to. geared towards the unruly nor common. It I have always known him to do his work HIS ROYAL BLACKNESS. Hard work and consistency earned him was and still remains upmarket, classic and MSM: Thanks Sir. All work and no relentlessly. his own shows on radio and television and targeted at those in the know and those who play? No exception even for your birth- The KKD Brand was put to the test a KKD THE FINEST is his moniker these led to greater recognition and awards. want to know and do better. I remember so day and holidays? couple of years ago when avowed de- from television and radio formed of After winning the Joint National Best Ra- vividly the joy and class with which he host- tractors were determined to destroy him. his initials and a description that early dio Disc Jockey in Ghana 1988 (honours ed our Soroptimists Annual Dinner Dance HRB: Ha haa! Birthdays are special if they God being so good the resilience and all fans gave of his expression and style of he shared with ace broadcaster Tommy An- and many fashion shows. He is a Ghanaian are my children’s, partner’s or parents.’ Ev- the attributes of a great Brand came to dress. He is a multiple award-winning nan Forson), first place in the Africa Disc to be proud of. He is simply one of a kind.” erything else is a good day to go to work bear and I am proud to state today that media, culture & brand communica- Jockey Championship in the same year and a long-time fan, socialite and Managing Di- for my family. On my birthday, our com- the great KKD Brand lives on!... And tions specialist well known for his three then National Best Radio Disc Jockey in rector of Fine Things Patisserie Madam So- pany was producing the launch for Cocoa may the Brand continue to grow from Es- Excellence, Eloquence & Elegance. Ghana 1989, he established a name as the phia Sackey observes. Processing Company’s New Golden Tree strength to strength. Amen!”-Gaddy Lar- Kwasi is an irrepressible journalist, cre- most sought after corporate and public Chocolates. My attention was fully taken yea, Managing Director, MMRS, Former ative marketer, erudite television pre- show host as well as voice-over artiste for If event promotions, rapping and deejaying by work, my daughter Ohemaa who flew President of the Advertisers Association senter & producer-director who keenly radio and television commercials. He also from age 12 launched his career in his home city home from London to spend the day with of Ghana. promotes his motherland Ghana’s arts, commanded the highest fees as guest disc of Tema, radio presenting from age 19 and tele- me on the job, and my son Darkwah who culture and tourism through his person- jockey for club nights, private ceremony ap- vision hosting from age 20 made him a house- was doing his Fashion Editor duties and Kwasi Kyei Darkwah’s move into brand ality and work. pearances and adverts. hold name throughout Ghana, it was, however, directing a fashion shoot for the magazine management at the peak of his broadcast- His hard work and creativity earned him his presence and unique style of hosting the he works for so whatever short breaks we ing career may have been inspired back then The beginnings of his career as a sharp-wit- a place as host of Ghana’s biggest annual Miss Ghana Beauty Pageants, initially with senior both had, we spent on the phone. by Messrs Kofi Selby, Marketing Director ted, smartly dressed radio presenter with a culture and tourism event - the Miss Ghana broadcaster Grandmaster Godwin Avenogbo and Gaddy Laryea, Advertising Manager of gift of rhyme and reason attracted multi- Beauty pageant and National Dance Cham- for whom he has great love and respect, that he MSM: And earlier? BAT, both of whom he greatly admires and tudes of the young and old instantly. From pionship which toured all ten regions. His became recognized for his excellence, eloquence speaks highly of to date. The bold career high school youths to university students, outstanding performance from year to year, and elegance in Africa and beyond. Videotape HRB: Oh no! You;re pulling my legs, Ar- move paid off as Darkwah was singled out recent graduates to established business ex- combined with his work on radio, televi- and television back then represented today’s en’t you? by the Board and Management for an award; ecutives and savvy pensioners, no one did sion, corporate and other entertainment easily accessible YouTube. Videos from all ten an honorarium with letter of commendation it better presenting them the best selection events made him Ghana’s brightest celeb- regions and the grand finale of the programmes MSM: Actually we really want to know for his role in helping increase market share of music with the finest introductions and rity in Broadcast Media and Event Hosting packaged by Kofi Kludjeson’s Videomart Ltd to get a peek into your work life. by 20 percent in his first 12 months at ABC theme-appropriate links. “From campus to as this renowned broadcaster and Ghana were viewed and proudly shared with friends Brewery Limited. His hard work and con- campus across the nation, market stalls to journalist of the year 2016 notes: from all cultures and creeds wherever a Gha- HRB: Earlier, we were working on brand sistency elevated him in advertising, brand supermarkets, public transport to private naian lived in the world. Televising the popular campaigns for Nayak Afrik Ltd’s Omama communications, event management and cars, when KKD THE FINEST is on air, “KKD has been an ICON from when events gave him unparalleled visibility in the en- Custom Fabrics, Ferrez Boutique, some culture promotion as he worked relentless- the smart, the cool and the desirous of he was referred to as “Magic George!! tire nation, and to neighbouring countries and corporate and private ceremonies and the ly on brand visibility, grand music concerts, learning listen eagerly and attentively.” af- I was privileged to be one of his nu- tourists alike. launch of the new Omama Royal Choco- state ceremonies, regional festivals, art ex- firms media enthusiasts including veteran merous “follow back” chaps during late. Then there were orders to produce for hibitions, fashion shows and college events marketer, lecturer and former Director my early days as a broadcaster at GBC Former Advertising Manager of British Ameri- our clothing line Heritage Apparel. Later to support and promote Ghanaian creatives General of the Ghana Broadcasting Cor- in the early to mid 90’s. His Saturday can Tobacco (PTC) with whom KKD The Fin- we were also busy with The Maestro Kojo and start-ups. At ABC Brewery Limited, he poration Willie Ampem-Darko, law lecturer evening show from 7:30 to 8, “Pops on est served on the National Planning Committee Antwi’s annual end of year events and then is credited with coining the slogan “A Better Moses Foh-Amoaning, award-winning mu- the Move” was explosive! He was the of Miss Ghana notes media presentation for clients in the lead Choice” sician Akosua Adjepong and finger-on-the,- PERFECT role model for us young- up to National Chocolate Day. And now pulse music producer Kaywa (Highly Spir- er broadcasters: style of dress, poise we’ve got The Maestro Kojo Antwi’s Big Coining slogans and producing captivat-

42 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 43 COVER STORY COVER STORY porate Social Responsibility at the Coca neur and trainer in increasing knowledge Easter Experience on our plate plus a few MSM: What qualifications and train- Cola Headquarters, Atlanta; Producing on policies and procedures. private ceremonies before I head to Lon- ing would anyone require for your pro- & Marketing Television Programmes don to host events and film TV commer- fession? - Fox Children’s Television Network; MSM: What would you advise a cials by God’s grace. Media Participation in Conflict Resolu- start-up who hasn’t had these learn- HRB: As MD of a Media, Brand, Cul- tion- Martin Luther King Jnr Centre for ing opportunities to do? MSM: How different is work in Ghana ture or Marketing firm, I’d say passion for Non-violent Social Change; Coverage from the UK where you have lived for service first. Then a desire to relearn and of World Events and the Arts- CNN HRB: I would advise those interest- over 20 years? work smarter each time, empowering and World Report & Showbiz Today, VOA; ed in Advertising, Brand, Marketing leading a team with greater competence Advertising & Public Relations- Eric and Corporate Communication work HRB: Each place has its highs and lows. and confidence. A good apprenticeship Morley and Associates, News gather- to research and reach out to Mr Kofi The expectations regarding time, effort, will serve any creative or business-mind- ing & Agenda setting- LA Times & L A Selby formerly Marketing Director of results and rewards are clearer in one na- ed person well too. My qualifications are Weekly. British American Tobacco, Kwaw An- tion than the other. In Ghana we could a Master of Arts Degree in Audio-Visu- Short career development programmes sah, founder of Target Advertising & use better roads and public transport, al Production (Film & Television) from on Marketing & Branding at S.I. New- TV Africa, Reginald D Laryea, founder and good reasons to entice the car-own- London Metropolitan University where house School of Public Communica- of MMRS, Dr Kwaku Mensa Bonsu, ing lot to use our vehicles less so we can I specialized in Directing the Documen- tion, Syracuse University; Writing and founder of Primetime Ltd, Madam Es- collectively reduce pollution and conges- tary and Producing the Feature; Certif- fact-checking news story at Columbia ther Cobbah, MD of Stratcomm Africa, tion. We could also use less untidiness, icates in Marketing Management from State University & Howard University; Hon. George Andah, Member of Parlia- less greed, and less belligerence in our Ghana Institute of Management and Importance of manufacturing in the lo- ment, formerly Chief Marketing Officer public discourse. There is this creeping Public Administration; Production and cal community, Coca Cola, Atlanta & In- of MTN and Bozoma St John, Chief meekness which seems more like timid- Cost Management from the Association dian Pueblo Cultural Centre, Albuquer- Marketing Officer at William Morris ity, and obedience without curiosity: We of Overseas Technical Scholarship of Ja- que and Collaborating with American Endeavour. The institutional knowledge need less of those and more respect for pan; Delivering Learning to Adults from professional counterparts, United States and expertise these individuals have is all humanity not just a few in fleeting high Westminster Adult Education Service, Information Agency, US State Depart- more than sufficient to provide light for position or riches. We definitely need to London; Hotel Management from Ghana ment, Adelphi International have also an entire state. And those keen on the improve on manners in service, order and Tourist Board, and Essential Marketing been very helpful for me as an entrepre- event production side the business may time-consciousness in life in general. Skills from Price Waterhouse, Diploma in Journalism from Ghana Institute of Jour- want to connect with Nanaban- am wrong, or anyone feels of- urge dom and truth. I know many MSM: As candid as we were told. nalism and Certificate in Broadcast Pro- yin Dadson, lecturer, former fended, I apologize with can- people who browse your You do not mince words at all. Tell us duction Techniques from Ghana Broad- newspaper Editor and Show dour, make up, learn, and get What philosophies have guid- posts for style and many oth- about your work? casting Corporation. Producer, Mr Iyiola & Mrs The- ahead. Simple. When I don’t ed your life to date especially ers who just love to read your

resa Ayoade of Charterhouse & know, I seek out someone who as a public figure who has poetry and wise words. Do HRB: At THE FINEST MEDIA, MSM: Thats a lot. You seem to like Claudia Lumor of Glitz Africa. does and I ask politely. You will survived a divorce, a chal- you intend to publish your BRANDS & CULTURE Ltd we curate learning. Learning from those who have be amazed how willing people lenging knee surgery and a writings?* and sell happiness: advertising, merchan- done well in whatever field you are to help. I have no fear of false allegation?* dizing, documentaries, corporate and HRB: Well, learning never ends. Some wish to practise is a great way to failure: Whatever does not work HRB: Writing is my catharsis. private events, culture and tourism Pro- say the more you learn the more you earn. avoid repeating any errors from only shows me another way to Gratitude is the aristocrat of My son Darkwah & daughter motion. At HERITAGE APPAREL we I think the more you learn the more you the past. Channel energies into try. Seperating need from want attitude. Ohemaa Asokwa Kyei-Dark- design and produce elegant clothing. At appreciate the contribution of others and making headway from where so I am not enslaved by debt nor In all things, give thanks. Do wah get the final say on when our new INSTITUTE OF TOURISM how much more there is to know. The ig- they have reached or break new favours I can live without is cru- honest work to earn your living and what to publish. My sweat & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT norant know it all already. Ha haaa! But in ground. cial. Net worth is a big deal for but remember to make time for and toil are primarily because of we are set to deliver short courses and truth, we are all students of life and his- me: Subtract what anyone owes family and true friends so you them. In the meantime, I occa- professional training, placement and em- tory till we die. MSM: Entrepreneurship is from what they own to know make a life. The houses, planes, sionally pluck lines from my pre- ployment, standards and advocacy for the full of challenges. How do their true worth and you will boats, cars, ornaments and gar- viously typed or hand-written culture, tourism and hospitality sectors. MSM: Many businesses today seem to you deal with setbacks and find some really modest folk are ments are possessions. They are musings & manuscripts to share value degrees more than apprentice- the fear of failure?* actually worth more than some nice to enjoy and even show off when it feels right. We never MSM: Which part of your work do you ship. Have you had any apprentice- you perceive as big dealers. Also but they can’t smile with you nor know when we will depart. enjoy most? ships? How do they compare? HRB: Entrepreneur or employ- as entrepreneurs, our clients and comfort you when you are weak

ee, each one has their peculiar vendors are our family. We never or sick. MSM: You have worked in HRB: I love the building of strategy, HRB: Both are valuable. Like Maya An- headaches. want to lose any one of them. Kindness before all else then various capacities locally and creative direction, copy and speech writ- gelou wrote, “All knowledge is spendable Managing finances is tricky Excellence in your labour, El- internationally. Care to share ing. I love sampling fabrics and designing currency depending on the market.” Bot- when you operate in a culture MSM: What are your greatest oquence in your parlance & your career journey? elegant clothing. I enjoy researching and tom line is if you can’t obtain desired re- where clients want jobs deliv- regrets? Elegance in your clobber. No creating course content and doing the sults with whatever learning you have ac- ered at great discounts on time matter how good you are and Before my current enterprises, lesson planners before teaching. Every quired, further training, modification of but do not pay on time. Remain- HRB: Not getting to the hospi- great you do, some sad soul I proudly served as Director of bit is special. I also enjoy every opportu- attitude or change of job may be required. ing courteous even when they tal on time to see my cousin Ben somewhere won’t like you. It Public Affairs & Communica- nity to help formulate policy, advance a I have benefited greatly from apprentice- delay is key to maintaining good Ofori Asare before he passed is not about you. It is about tions at the Ghana Investment brand, transform the plain to spectacular ships and professional attachments in relationships. Business does not away. Not using my crutches for themselves. Live cheerfully and Promotion Centre, Accra under or bring some culture, style and class as producing shows for live telecast - Alice thrive where relations go sour. longer after my knee arthrosco- thankfully, and let them be. CEO Robert Ahomka Lindsay Master of Ceremonies, TV Host or Pub- Evenements,Paris, launching new prod- You will not get every job you py. Not having been able to keep (Investment attraction, encour- lic Speaker. If it is service, culture or com- ucts & Market Penetration at Afri Cola, think you deserve. Others must one wife for life. Not studying MSM: Your social media agement and promotion for in- munication-oriented, it gives me a buzz. AMS Hamburg & Heineken Germany; feed their families too. When I for a PhD when I first had the posts are filled with love, wis- dustry and jobs in Ghana). Public Affairs, Communications & Cor-

44 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 45 COVER STORY COVER STORY

Prior to this, I was Communications and Golden Lager Beer, Bubra and Bubra stout. MSM: After years of working as a broad- It was a tad rocky from the beginning but Creative Director, The Finest Productions, It also gave me the opportunity to support caster and rising through the ranks, you once I got the memo on the ego thing with UK ( Advertising, Public Relations & Event various creatives, organizers and universities managed broadcasters and then musi- gifted creatives, it helped me direct arts, cul- Consultancy), Account Manager, Gissings through sponsorship of their programmes. cians. Who are some of the musicians ture and tourism, artiste management and Consultancy Services Ltd (Corporate Med- you worked with? repertoire for some of the nation’s greatest ical Insurance and Risk Brokerage), Invest- MSM: Your voice has been on so many musicians smoothly and efficiently. As Gen- ment Researcher, Georgeson Shareholder commercials for over thirty years. I heard HRB: We managed Abrantie Amakye eral Manager of Megastar Limited, I over- Communications (Investment Research, one of you rapping about a Ghanaian Dede, George Darko who intitiated and saw a team that curated and sold comfort Proxy Solicitation and Lost Asset Claims), chocolate brand just yesterday. popularized highlife fusion, Nana Tuffour, and happiness by way of music and culture Event Promotions Manager, Base Manage- Tagoe Sisters, Reverend Yawson, Pat to Ghana and the world. Every product ment, UK (Organization and Promotion HRB: Ha haa. I get calls asking me about the Thomas, Jewel Ackah, Felix Owusu, Nana launch, be it an album by Abrantie Amakye of public entertainment, administration rap. Many youngsters don’t know how it all Nsia Piesie, The Megastar Band. And we Dede, Tagoe Sisters, Nana Tuffour or other and documentation for artistes, Culture & began in Ghana. History, even of the things distributed releases for many others. Be- famous artistes, on our roll, was met with Tourism Promotion), and before then Cus- they like, seems not a favourite subject. As fore and after Megastar, I also had the great expectations and joy by the nation. tomer Service Representative, Refund and Managing Director of Kyei Darkwah Syn- privilege of co-producing and presenting Exchange, Marks and Spencer, Tottenham dicate Ltd we wrote, produced and placed live concerts and broadcast shows for The MSM: Wow! Dream job. So why did you Court Road & Marble Arch. commercials for our clients. That’s how I Maestro Kojo Antwi, Freddie Meiway, Salif leave? I also, served as General Manager, Megastar had the privilege and pleasure of coining the Keita, Monique Seka, Kodjo Aquai, Theo Ltd, Achimota (Record Company, Artiste slogans. “Wo be ku me” for Nayak, “PMMC: Yaw Boakye. I was also invited to serve as HRB: It wasn’t to leave a good career. It & Repertoire Management, Culture and Jewellery for your fantasy” for Precious Min- Master of Ceremonies for the Pan-Afri- was to join my beloved family. My fami- Tourism Promotion), Co-owner & Direc- erals Marketing Corporation, “Anokwa mo can Festival Panafest Concert with perfor- ly would have fallen apart if I hadn’t. My tor of Programmes & Marketing, Sunshine ma yenka na Ghana mmaa ho 33f3” for the mances by Public Enemy, Jermaine Jackson dear wife , our children and help were in 102.3FM, Roman Ridge (Radio station for Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant, “Adeva: Look and many fabulous stars. In my full-time England and I was travelling back and forth adult contemporary music programmes, Sharp” for Adeva Shirt Shop, “Moda for broadcast years, I was Master of Ceremo- to bond with them. Whilst I wanted them news and current affairs), Advertising and leather” for Moda Shoes, “Nomintana, The nies at regional, national, state and foreign to return to Ghana because her job hunt in Promotions Manager, ABC Brewery Limited name in town now for high fashion” for No- mission events so you could say I had the England hadn’t worked as well as she had (Bottling and marketing of brands of beer, mintana fabrics, “Brass, No jazz, just Class” joy of working with every musician worth hoped and it was causing our savings to malt and soda drinks) and before then MD for Brass by St Ossei Studio and many more. his sound living in or visiting to perform dwindle after nearly two years, she insisted of KDS Limited (Advertising, Broadcast We promoted and staged beautiful shows at in Ghana. Jazz Musician Pharoah Sanders, on staying there. I had only two choices: 1. Production and Sponsorship Syndication plush locations for fashion brands, helped Rap Originator Gyedu Blay Ambolley, King Move to live together again as family or 2. Agency) and Radio and Television Presenter build the Meet Me There brand with Gha- of Highlife Nana Kwame Ampadu, C K Continue living apart and see very little of & Producer, Ghana Broadcasting Corpora- na Tourist Board and also did the first rap Mann, Paapa Yankson, King of Folk Song my children as they grew. You marry to live tion (National Broadcasting network Radio commercials in Ghana for Scruples Bou- Agya Koo Nimo, Queen of Highlife Asa- with and love each other, and 2 years apart 2, GBC FM 95.7 & Ghana Television). The tique and the Embassy Double do- Ghana’s bea Cropper, Smart Nkansah, Jewel Ackah, for a young family who married at ages 26 commencement of a career at age 19 as a biggest tourism promotion event. A B Crentsil, Pozo Hayes, K K Kabobo, and 20 is not the best so after months of Guest Artiste at Ghana Broadcasting Cor- Charles Amoah, Rex Gyamfi, George Jah- her refusal to return and the creeping lone- poration whilst doubling as a Guest Rela- MSM: Broadcasters such as Yaw Am- raa, Ben Brako, Kodjo Aquai, Daddy Lum- liness of occupying a 4-bedroom house by tions Executive & Nightclub Supervisor at pofo Ankrah, Baaba Andoh and Fiifi ba, Nana Acheampong, Oheneba Kissi, Sir myself in Achimota, I moved to the UK. our family-owned Jatokrom Hotel opened Pratt mention that you are the one who Roberto, Lee Duodu, Ewurama Badu, Lady Against my gut feeling, the wishes of my the doors to all things media, brands, culture made it desirable to replace English Talata, Frank Bafy, Sas B, Nakorex, Dada parents, my siblings and my bosses or not, & tourism. names with our indigenous ones on ra- K D; if they had it in them to make hits, I felt it was necessary if I was to save my dio and television in Ghana and then the they were introduced with aplomb by yours marriage and be present for my children MSM: You were a very popular guy in diaspora. truly. . daily. I started all over again working as a Tema. We learnt you had your first car part-time Refund & Exchange service staff at age 17? HRB: Ha haaa. There were Kwame Ama- MSM: Is it any different directing at Marks and Spencer on Tottenham Court moo, Akwasi Donkor, Nii Anan Patapaa and broadcasters from musicians? Road, did brief stints with NCP as a cashier I was 18 at the time. It was more for work a few others before me but most present- in Belgravia and Marble Arch, did cold than a luxury. A militant-looking 4-wheel ers and anchors used English first names; HRB: Hmmm. Some similar tactics to han- calls as call centre operative selling adver- drive Fiat Campagnola that carried all my relics from the colonial era nicely couched dle similar traits. Both are highly competi- tising space in medical and pharmaceutical mobile DJ equipment for events, served as as reverence for religiosity. As co-owner and tive enterprises and the success rates are not journals in Newbury Park whilst hosting mobile PA system for advertising and flyer Director of Programmes & Marketing at as high nor certain as trading in essential events and working another part-time job distribution, and also made light deliveries Sunshine 102.3 FM at Roman Ridge, I inter- commodities or marking time in a sedentary in Event Promotions at Base Management for my parents’ distributorship The Cellar viewed, auditioned, assembled and trained a office environment so the few that excel in Ealing. All these in my first 6 months be- Ltd. It also sped me in style to GBC, PTC, new team of presenters. I encouraged them tend to have an ego that must be managed fore starting full-time work by Gods grace Graphic Corporation and youth jams I orga- all to learn to communicate and dress as well like that of a special athlete. It helps if they as an Investment Researcher at Georgeson nized and hosted. as, if not better than, their audience, and recognize their leader/director/manager as Shareholder Communications, Bishopsgate, to proudly use their full indigenous names. one who is knowledgeable or accomplished London. MSM: You don’t drink alcohol but you It was kind of an unwritten prescription. and has their interests at heart. You could sold it It sounded great to hear all these beautiful say the same for the leading designers, co- MSM: How did this feel moving from African names for Africans every hour. I medians, models, public speakers etc. a senior management position and na- HRB: Yes I did to those of legal drinking can only hope it did something positive for As General Manager of record compa- tional recognition in your homeland to age. As Advertising & Promotions Manager African pride and served them well in their ny Megastar Ltd, owned by the late Steve start afresh lower down the ladder in for ABC Brewery Ltd I sold ABC Supermalt respective careers. Amoa-Marfo, very kind and gentle chair- another land? and Bluna soft drinks in addition to ABC man of the Ikam Group, I learnt this well.

46 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 47 COVER STORY COVER STORY HRB: I gave no thought to that Circus near Liverpool Street Sta- spirits high by visiting art galler- mendously in caring for them. Gratitude is nicators in the US sponsored by the USIS some kind soul. Till then, I would love to at all. My cousin says I threw MSM: Ill advised? Why? tion through recruitment Agen- ies. I did my best to make ev- the aristocrat of attitude. I thank you all (1992) be a first in looking into the eyes of any away a comfortable lead be- cy Addeco. By God’s grace, I ery day sweet by showering the and pray for you everyday. 5. First show host to fill Ghana’s National person who sought to harm me with their cause of a woman. Nope. I did HRB: Its history now. I try to landed the job. The founder and family with presents. Gifts don’t Theatre to capacity (September 1991) words or deeds and genuinely feel nothing for my wife and my children remember only the great times. managing Director Sean Breslin matter when the heart is cold. For KKD’s contribution to the develop- 6. First Ghanaian Radio Presenter to make but forgiveness for them. Life is short. not just a woman. I just focused Life feels much better this way. was very kind and complimented Build a loving presence before ment & promotion of the sectors in which the successful transition from Radio and Let’s make it beautiful. on working hard to provide for me often for my language, man- giving any presents. he diligently and passionately serves he has Television to Advertising, Marketing and my family. I was happy to cud- MSM: Did you get the chance ners and attire. My first bonus been honoured with various awards: Brand Management (1992) MSM: Is it possible to have a private dle, play, dine with and read to to continue with the work that here got me my LV Presidente MSM: What was it and how Fashion Icon, 2018, Ghana Event Awards; 7. First Ghanaian Television host to pres- life when you are in the public eye espe- my children. Their laughter and earned you your name before briefcase. Pricey but still worth did you deal with it? Our Living Legend Award, 2013, MTN ent a music request show on national tele- cially with the advent of social media? the touch of my wife made up leaving to settle abroad? it. I hated the crowded trains, so 4Syte Music Video Awards; vision (1987) for any anguish I may have sup- twice a week I would drive from HRB: The last bit about pres- Lifetime Achievement Award, 2013, Musi- 8. First Ghanaian Television host to have HRB: Oh yes! Now media does whatev- pressed if there was any at all. I HRB: Oh Yes! God was and is Essex to the city, park my faith- ents is just a heads up for the cians Union of Ghana for contribution to his light entertainment show – Weekend er it can to make a living with headlines, bought myself my first Jaguar to good to me. I went on the local ful servant the Golden Jaguar young in love. She’s a good per- Broadcasting & Entertainment; Spectacular directed by Moses Gyapong some true, some false. It is much easier celebrate landing my first corpo- radio stations to speak on culture at NCP and walk with Ashanti son, I thought. I guess we mar- Tema Excellence Award, 2012 for Media, distributed in the URTNA exchange pro- for websites and bloggers to use a face or rate post abroad with part of the and showbiz and took questions pride to a job I really enjoyed. ried too young to know what we Arts and Culture Promotion; gramme across Africa (1990) name with some modicum of notoriety or savings I had brought with me and comments from callers. Best I learnt a lot about work and wanted. I started a radio show Ghana UK-based Achievement Award 9. First Ghanaian MC to perform live rap fame to draw traffic to their sites so they from Ghana. Here at GSC Ltd, thing I did. I connected with the corporate culture from my Spice of Life with KKD to keep (GUBA) 2012 for contribution to Media; music at a regional or national event (1979) can make some money. You, on the other where I trained and worked as so many listeners and this led Director Chris Goodeve-Bal- my radio bug alive, then co-pro- Outstanding Performance, ABC Brewery 10. First Ghanaian Radio and Television hand have your own “self-published mag- an Investment Researcher, I won people, familiar as well as total lard and senior colleagues Pat duced and presented TV specials Ltd, 1993 for Advertising and Promotion presenter to have his rap recordings re- azines” on all your social media platforms. a joint best worker award with strangers, to find and book me O’Flinn, Stuart Eldred and An- with my brother film-maker Ato etc. leased on a record album: Seniwa (1993) by You choose what to share. You can quiet- younger colleague Ms Cinna- for events nearly every fortnight. drew Kilbey. Things were going Brown to keep my gift and love His many firsts include Thomas Frimpong produced by Charles ly earn your keep whilst keeping in touch mon Copperwheat. I loved leav- I was traveling around Europe, swimmingly, work was great and for television thriving. I realized 1. First radio presenter to play rap music Amoah and Anigye (1993) by Thomas with those who truly matter to you. Believe ing home for the square mile, the and North America to host con- life was beautiful but something how much I missed Ghana but I on national radio and FM radio in Ghana Frimpong produced by Charles Amoah half of what you see and none of what you busy nature yet order at work, certs and weddings. On one of was amiss. The joy at home was had a family to keep warm and (1986) hear. Many people, be they rich, powerful, the fine dining, the camarade- such trips in Calgary, Alberta, I not like before in Ghana. I took happy. I begun accepting invita- 2. First radio disc jockey to mix music MSM: A trailblazer Mr Darkwah. Any poor or humble, are self-serving, jealous rie with different nationalities decided it was time to move to her out more but we communi- tions to travel to Ghana and Ni- club style on national radio and FM radio other firsts you would like to add to our and treacherous. and the exposure to a different a more rewarding city job so I cated less. I gradually resolved geria to MC plush events. Then in Ghana (1986) list? culture. I buried myself in work applied for an Account Manag- to focusing on doing my week- the finale of the new Miss Gha- 3. First Ghanaian disc jockey to win the MSM: What would you say to the young to keep me from thinking about er post for Corporate Medical ly dinner out with my son and na Beauty Pageant followed. On Africa Disc Jockey Championship (1988) HRB: First and sole performer at the person with a dream? the ill-advised move it would lat- Insurance & Risk at Gissings daughter, getting home on time and on it went combining work 4. First Ghanaian Disc Jockey to be se- maiden Meet me there event at Labadi er dawn on me I may have made. Consultancy Services, Finsbury to read to them and keeping my like a busy bee in the city, society lected for the Young African Leaders beach. There must be a list of firsts some- HRB: Young or old, every dream is valid. programme for outstanding mass commu- where that will someday be published by Convert it to a plan and transform it into

ceremonies, light entertainment television your sanity than stay and tear each other na jollof, kelewele and spicy lamb skewer action. We may not all become edge and technology to broaden ployee? and this is what I want to do I specials. It was hectic but it was fun. I just apart. Soon a new TV3 show Bands Alive and if the son and daughter ordered it I famous but through our com- your market and increase your got over that hurdle. We may had to make sure I was in the office on beckoned. As the host, I would depart dutifully cooked and served it. Every day mitment to serve others we can production without harming HRB: Employees are paid main- have sweet dreams but it is the time on Monday. London and land on Friday. I would head with them from their school days in Fox all achieve greatness. Service is humanity and the environment. ly by time and attendance whilst purpose that keeps us focused. I straight for the studio to do a run through Primary, Nottinghill all through their sixth love. And it is only through ser- This is our moral challenge. entrepreneurs are paid by their have an aversion to borrowing. MSM: So your working all the time with Producer George Bosompim, present form years at University College School vice, not wealth nor fame, that 6. If you cant find a product or results. Rather different mind- I was confident in my business thing is an old habit. Didn’t it affect the show and fly back to London right af- in Hampstead brought me a deep joy that any mortal ever achieved true service you need, create it. sets. I prefer entrepreneurship. ideas and was willing to start your health and family? ter to host a public or private event on Sat- no one can ever take away. And they were greatness. 7. Be consistent. The world sees The challenge as well as cre- each with only what I person- urday. It was busy. It helped me stay on top sweet and helpful too. Darkwah was the you. You may not be bigger than ativity, commitment and, when ally owned. Nothing grand, just HRB: I tried not to let it. But…. que sera of my media and presentation skills. I look yam and kontomire stew maker and indul- MSM: What advice would you most but you will serve and be things work, the satisfaction what fulfils me. My purpose is sera. Whatever will be will be. Sadly, I quit back on it all with a smile. In all things, I gent cake-baker, and Ohemaa the assorted give to the upcoming entre- relevant. and freedom entrepreneurship to serve and provide a dignified the job I loved whilst going through the give thanks. salads fixer and tasty soups maker. preneurs, and what must we Whether you want to protect brings motivates and excites me. life for my family as well as teach divorce I filed for on 02-02-02. What with When Darkwah won first place in the do to scale our businesses to the environment & wildlife, cre- I would rather take a cut in in- and uplift others. the stress of unfolding events. MSM: So you raised your son and World Youth Speaker’s Forum at the gath- the international communi- ate and share art and happiness, come from the start to do some- daughter as a single dad? ering of the World’s best young speakers, ties?* build vast businesses and estates thing I am passionate about MSM: But they say cash is MSM: Oh no! I was so delighted and so proud. When for profit, acquire lots of - pos than sleep-walk half-heartedly king HRB: Yes I did. With love, devotion and Ohemaa won first place in the Kensington HRB: sessions for display, bring hope through a job that pays me well HRB: Ah Yes! Thankfully, I regrouped to pride, And they made me the happiest & Chelsea and Westminster Jack Petchey’s 1. Find your passion. and faith to the hopeless, make for merely following orders and HRB: For some, maybe. Cash is set up the Finest Productions in Westmin- father alive. Our daily after-dinner con- Speakers challenge, I was so proud and so 2. Learn from the successes, as or enforce the law for the safety doing next to nothing creative or good but it isn’t king. It is a ser- ster, London to handle advertising, public versations became quasi parliamentary elated. Thanks to their beautiful mum Ohe- well as failures, of those who of all, heal the sick and broken, disruptive for a good cause. vant. Kings can use cash to do relations and events whilst studying for debates in our humble abode, we con- newa for birthing such lovely, free-spirited have done what you hope to do make life easier with an inven- good for others. Never will we all a Master’s Degree in Film & Television tinued our Thursday dinner dates chang- and courteous children all grown now. 3. Perfect your craft with the tion, build better living spaces MSM: In what ways have en- be big importers of cheap goods Production and raising my young son and ing restaurants week by week. I was the Gratitude to my adorable big sister Mama, help of local mentors and in- for the future or serve a partic- trepreneurship challenged for the masses for high profits daughter the family court awarded me full resident chauffeur, laundry man, alarm and younger sisters Moda, Maame, Adjoa ternational professional coun- ular section of your community you personally? nor producers of essential com- custody of. I made sure they spent time clock, homework checker, shoe polisher, and all the family, Darkwah and Ohemaa’s terparts with your vocation, your work is modities that are bought daily by with their mother whenever she came to house-keeper, the Haagen Dazs Strawber- fairy Godmother Ruby Nana Fenyiwa 4. Serve a need. If your service valuable. Practice. Practice. Prac- HRB: The big challenge with millions. Nor can we all venture visit London as she had moved to live in ry cheesecake purchaser, happy chef, wait- Hagan, delightful mama Ava Lizette Hall, does not gratify a need, it proba- tice. It may not make you perfect entrepreneurship for me was into transcontinental business- Ghana within 3 months of my seeking a er, joker and teacher. I was the sandwich Earth Angels Albie Mensah, Joyce Abena bly won’t earn much income for but it will make you professional. sustaining the interest that got es with throngs of poorly paid divorce. I must admit, life has been kind to and smoothie maker, tuna pasta baker, Oduro, Nana Boatemaa, Maame Biama long. me started. employees. The surest ways to all of us since. Better to part and maintain creamy chicken and potato masher, Gha- Asante and Maa Lizzy who helped me tre- 5. Exploit every available knowl- MSM: Entrepreneur or em- Once I decided this is who I am make insane profits other than

48 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 49 COVER STORY AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE evade taxes or take freely from ple just through what others pub- denarii and gave them to the inn- MSM: Any influences from Ra- state coffers often involve woe- lish or say. Starting or spreading keeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, dio or television? ful exploitation of the low-skilled speculations, falsehoods and ru- ‘and when I return, I will reim- workforce. There’s so much every mours have gone mainstream for burse you for any extra expense HRB: The TV productions and hard-working person with little to quick money and malice. Time to you may have.” -Luke 10:35 films of Aaron Spelling- influ no talent can start and sustain to question everything. We must all In my family, what is considered enced me later. Not much to reduce national joblessness, earn a think again and ask: the greatest wealth is good health attract the young on radio grow- modest living and pay themselves Is what you are reading or hear- in wisdom, honesty and dignity. ing up. And the high points on and, perhaps, one or a few others ing the truth as supported by the In somebody else’s, it is natural TV? Osofo Dadzie (written by decent wages. facts? Who is behind those facts? resources like oil, uranium, dia- Joris Wartenberg) was fabulous, What are their motivations? monds or gold. Various defini- followed by Showcase. I looked MSM: What about capital? tions and concepts of wealth are forward to seeing Kohw3. Still it MSM: You were personally the asserted by various people. was the live events that fascinat- HRB: Capital is oft quoted as the subject of a sensational story. My mother explained some- ed me. Watching and sometimes biggest challenge because many How do you come back from thing to me before I turned 13 in performing with cultural troupes want to start from where others something like that? Presec, Legon and it really stuck such as Wulomei and Dzadzeloi at have reached after twenty years with me. After overhearing a Jatokrom Hotel and having con- or more of honest grind. Human HRB: ‘’And you will know the youthful conversation I was hav- versations with different types of capital is the greatest capital. Start truth, and the truth will set you ing with my friends about wealth showbiz people was great fun for right where you are with what free.” -John 8:32. People lie. But on vacation, she called me to the me. I grew up with the stars and you have. Provide a service for no lie lasts forever. The media living room and poked fun at this exposure showed me a world one client and go on to the next, does commendable work in many me. She then continued to advise beyond architecture, medicine, ac- and expand. Many entrepreneurs instances but some among them, me thus: “You are a royal of the ademia or law. Later on, listening were once employees who saved like rumour-mongers, sometimes Adansi. Our homes are built on to my elders Nana Kwame Ampa- to start their dream. Those with latch on to anything about a foundations laid high above end- du, Agya Koo Nimo, Mike Eghan, capital sitting idle aren’t looking known person because it makes a less deposits of gold. The wealth George Crabbe, Carl Agyeman to hand it over to the idle. great headline to draw traffic for is already here beneath our feet. Bannerman, Charlie Sam& Bari- attention and income. Facts to We don’t chase wealth. We thank mah Ohemeng Kwatia fasci- MSM: Talent or hard work? give more light and less heat are God for what we already have, nated me. The teachings of my held back to extend the lifespan then think and bring in workers maternal uncles Nana Wae Adu Hard work of course. It is smug of a story so it can be milked un- to draw it out of the earth. What Asare, Chief of Abadwum, Dr J. when we make it sound like talent til the next big one breaks. This we seek is longevity, honesty and Amoako Tuffour, A V Obeng, P alone is enough. Talent is a gift is how anyone, including you, can dignity. V Obeng, as well as mentors Sir but if it isn’t honed and put to be bad-mouthed by the crooked, Sam Jonah, Mr Agyeman Badu good use, it bears no fruit. Every the paid, the malicious and the MSM: Would you say your up- of Equippe, Eddie Gerber, Dr problem looks like a nail when all pained. Sad but true. Question bringing affected your choice Kobina Richardson, Kofi Selby, you have in your toolkit is a ham- everything. Ignorance breeds fear. of career? Jimmy Idun-Ogde, Gaddy Laryea, mer so talent sure helps as it pro- Fear breeds hate, and hate breeds John Warmann & Chris J Rein- vides options but no matter how destruction. I have forgiven those I doubt my parents planned it dorf gave me clarity on various talented you think you are, if you who meant me harm. God meant so but it did. My father Op- perspectives of life, family, work don’t work, you won’t get paid. it for good. The present and the anin Kwasi Darkwah of Adanse and happiness. Through them, I The more time and effort we put future are more precious than the Dompoase and mother Ohemaa saw the essence of humanity and into whatever we wish to achieve, past. I am alive, well and thankful, Ama Asokwa Kyei Darkwah of industry and followed my passion. the better the results. Hard work And I am here in good cheer. Adanse Ampunyase owned busi- pays. nesses in the Culture, Tourism MSM: Wealth or fame? and Hospitality sector. They run MSM: What books have influ- MSM: Having been in the pub- 2 record stores and entertainment enced your life? lic eye for over 3 decades, what HRB: Ha haaa. Each one chases promotion business, Hotel and are your thoughts on media, after what they don’t have. Fame restaurant, a distributorship for HRB: Dale Carnegie’s How to fake news and perceptions to- is public recognition for good drinks and a night club. Growing Win Friends and Influence Peo- day? performance. This is currency up I got the opportunity to meet ple, Selected Speeches of Dr that can be used to obtain good- often and listen to various per- Kwame Nkrumah by Samuel HRB: Social media has broad- will and promote causes for the sonalities in the arts: The great Obeng, Class by Jilly Cooper, ened the boundaries and democ- greater good. “I will give glory Nana Kwame Ampadu, leader of Where do we go from here: Com- ratized the media space. It has and fame to my former exiles, the African Brothers Band, Otis munity or Chaos by Dr Martin also muddied the waters: What wherever they have been mocked Boadi & Gyedu Blay Ambolley Luther King, Tintin by Herge, with rewards via advertising in- and shamed.” -Zephaniah 3:19 (whose cool dance moves I dis- and my passion for fashion, poet- come for traffic to websites and Wealth is context-dependent sub- played with my dear schoolmates ry, music, oratory, hospitality and blogs that publish sensational stantial net worth. This can be Charles ‘Charlie Chicken’ Buahin just the enjoyment of life. I guess stories, untruths and utter pop- used to purchase things for the and Sarah Ayensu), Smart Nkan- all these informed my attraction pycock for the vapid and less less fortunate as is the case with sah, A B Crentsil, Jewel Ackah to Media, Brands, Culture and informed in the global village. the Good Samaritan. and many more. Tourism in some peculiar way. Good folk don’t learn about peo- “The next day he took out two Deep down however, I am an cont. on page 64 50 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 51 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE

business owners is the effective use of emotional intelligence Nozuko Mayeza, 36, is making her mark in the male-domi- to deal with difficulties. nated realm of transport and logistics. The managing director of Tulsawiz Logistics is a non-con- She subscribes to a business ethos that extends beyond the formist who was born in Ndakeni village in the Eastern Cape. usual male outlook. Her advice for emerging female business owners are set clear, achievable goals and establish networks as Raised by her mother, a deputy school principal, along with much as possible. four siblings, Mayeza became tenacious like her mother and got into business through a friend who Her inspiration comes from her faith and the mentors she has recognised she was business savvy. Tulsawiz Logistics trans- met in business and and people who are worthy of emulation. ports goods in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, serving mines and private companies – with an For Mayeza, failure is not an option – she believes a interest in securing its own mine. Mayeza came to appreciate businesswoman’s mind-set must include a drive to succeed. the importance of logistics in various business sectors such Intending to expand into KZN, Mayeza hopes to leverage off as retail, science, fashion, technology and construction. This the Durban port to transport goods internationally. meant there was a need for more than just drivers and ware- housing needs but also extensive haulage services. Her goal is to have a JSE-listed company within three years and, to achieve that, she is already establishing strategic part- Her role encompasses promoting business development as well nerships in New York and London. as ensuring customer service quality. She manages a diverse Mayeza hopes to inspire and attract women to the industry and team of professionals in operations, customer service, finance show them just how many opportunities are available to them. and also liaises with industry experts.

As a woman in the industry, she says her greatest lessons have come through various challenges and advises that it is crucial to do extensive research on the nature of the business one needs to expand.

She believes that patience is very vital in keeping tabs on a client’s business cycle. Another thing she believes can help

Scripted Impressions is a writing services company offering tailor made writing solutions to individuals and organisations. Contact us on 0242924005 Instagram: @scriptedimpressions

52 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 53 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE

will see me and give glory to God. I am Dr Hannah-Lisa Tetteh, a medical doctor serving in the private sector. I am an What are your thoughts on entrepreneur- events compere (MC) having hosted many ship especially in Africa? weddings and events, such as A Walk Down The Aisle, amongst many others. I do ex- I think it looks promising. Everyone who tensive health education through radio and has the passion to work and is called to be TV. Previously, I worked with Home Affairs an entrepreneur should be encouraged to do so. at Joy Prime as their in house doctor and However, we are faced with financial challenges hosting the health segment of the show. I which has to do with capital. Not all business also worked with GH One as the host of ideas are ‘’easily accepted’’ on the continent so it HealthCheck, a health segment on the news. somewhat restricts a lot of people, thus, forcing them to give up on certain pursuits they will like I have also made appearances on GH To- to undertake. Nevertheless, I think we are bless- day, Agoo TV’s morning and late afternoon ed with many creative individuals and resources shows, Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Joy and with enough support, Africa could take over News Breakfast Show among others all in a the world. bid to sensitize the public on health related issues. Kindly share with me your principles, and advise you will give to anybody who wants to be I also love sports and Barcelona is my favor- like yourself ite team. I am a regular panelist on YFM’s As a doctor, MC and entrepreneur, I believe that Sports World shoqw which airs every Sun- it is important to identify the gifts we have been day from 5pm - 6pm to discuss health and blessed with so that we can use it to impact so- sports. In school, I was involved in leader- ciety positively. All of us have different talents ship roles. I held positions such as Health and abilities which we can use in different areas. Prefect in St.Theresa’s School, Senior We need to find ourselves, identify certain needs School Prefect in Holy Child School and the and use our specific gifts to solve those needs. President of Federation of Ghana Medical Pray to God for guidance, be consistent, dedi- cated and positive. Students Association in Medical School at KNUST.

I love banku and okro stew. My desire is to show forth the goodness of God in all my endeavours and let my light shine so people

54 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 55 CV

liabilities, companies without liabilities that still need capital in- that is growing and attracting increased capital. jection. Worthy of note, not every liability is bad business, and not all assets are good assets. The investment thesis demanded Will an African Unicorn change the narrative? Will foreign dom- by HNI’s must be revised and examined within the context of inated African partnered firms deplete the needed capital for tradi- scale, business development and corporate governance support tional startups yet to find their feet? Will the regulatory bottlenecks through shared experiences. Can capital injected enhance re- continue to stifle capital growth? structuring processes to reduce liabilities of exposed, leveraged companies? Without understanding Investment Readiness and its importance to a growing startup ecosystem, many startups risk looking flashy What will it take to convince HNI’s to consider Startups, per- with high operational costs funded by Directors of the business and haps a system of scalable micro equity/micro debt investments loans than focusing on the core business of sales, organic or other- leading to equity in a typical convertible debt type deal? wise. The African market and its complexities have made a “fund of funds” for deal sizes between $100,000 to $15m nearly impractical. 2. Variation Models- The race to close African grown fund rounds with greater local participation will be determined by the investment thesis such funds The mistakes most startups make is the inability to marry tra- develop, potential of pipelines, training, risk mitigation factors from ditional business models with evolved business models, a tech a purely market oriented approach, corporate governance, sector enabled African spiral growth is restricting an inherent under- specific funds, management and boards. standing of the traditional African value chains and lifestyle changes that may occur in the medium term but as factor Africa’s incubators and accelerators may offer the needed support and measure of development and cultural exchanges. A typi- to improve the quality of ideas by startups needed to close deals, What will it take to convince local HNI’s to consid- Mn was invested across 458 deals — a 300% gigantic leap in the cal e-commerce shopping app may discover that while price, however, like the funds that are actively raising capital to invest, these er/participate in investing in Startups,will a system of total funding amount and over 127% increase in the number of convenience and mobile penetration and variables in usage hubs and accelerators need capital to fund their activities whether in scalable micro equity/debt investments leading to ma- deals compared to what was reported in 2017. The indicative present market opportunities, a market sizing on preferences providing co-working spaces or training. Question is, will the success jor equity stakes in a typical convertible debt type deal? value of comparison is a 448 to 458 deals compared by both of consumers to type of groceries-organic or otherwise, user of the capital raise be determined by the startups incubated, offered firms. A fair size for comparison to determine variance in deals. experience, certification, and an understanding of the market space or accelerated or the intent to support will be enough. Either In this article, we explore scenarios on how investment queens and market stalls operational supply models can large- way, without a viable investment thesis and an improvement in the readiness against the traditional organic growth, sales In a comparison of funds that were established or capital raised ly determine how innovative grocery apps perform especially quality of ideas, an evolution of business models that combine tra- led type businesses could impact greatly on Africa’s to seed companies, 2018 according to Digest Africa in its report from an aggregator perspective to consumer choices. To each ditional and western type models and greater participation by local funding market and the misconception of non-exis- suggest a total value of funds at $1.094B, with an average fund model must be a sustainability agenda with a blended value of High net worth individuals, Africa’s startups will continue to chase tent funding for Companies with or without liabilities, size of $68.4m, $314m maximum fund raised, $250k minimum profit and impact to win in the African market. foreign funds, while foreign funds raise capital to fund our very own either of which still need capital injection. Worthy of fund raised. startups most of which with a foreign partner makes the capital raise note, not every liability is bad, and not all assets are The African capital market has largely been dominated by tra- easier and shorter. good assets. These three variations increasingly show a rise in deal flow and ditional financing regimes, driven by offtakes, contracts, which support services to African Startups. However, Sub-Saharan Af- makes letters of credit, credit lines, invoice discounting as a part The Writer: Should Africa’s startups continue to sell potential? rica particularly Ghana continues to lag in attracting Capital to of factoring whether reverse or otherwise an ideal structured ReadOn its Startups, significantly different from the typical KINS(With- finance for most firms, some of which have demonstrable- fi John Armah is the C.E.O of Orios Group, Board Chairman of out Ghana’s) economy. Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa are the nancial history in audited or management accounts, informa- Junior Achievement Ghana, and the Chairman of the JA Africa ideal spots for capital raising and startup capital. tion memorandum, good corporate governance, an asset base Board Chairs Council, a global non-profit organization committed to meet KYC requirements among others. to promoting entrepreneurship development around the world. He Why are (African) Startups not raising enough capital? Both The Digest Africa Index and the Annual Venture In- is a Business Development Practitioner with vast experience in the vestments in Africa Report 2018 suggest that Startups in Private equity and venture capital in the startup market is grow- development of start-ups, MSME’s and business strategy. A consul- 1. High Net Worth Individuals and Risks- High Net Worth Africa raised $618m and $725.6m respectively. The varia- ing, traditional VC’s have focused on very traditional sectors tant, Trainer and adviser in business start-ups development, business Individuals are either difficult to find or relatively hard for Start- tion in data is attributable to the metrics adopted in the deal with some history or knowledge of the market. African startups financing, business development. ups to convince. When these Investors commit, the typical pe- flows and types of deals, investment size reported for the today are unconventional, pioneering models alien to the Afri- riods for closure drag or that calls for capital go unheeded. In- period 2018. can ecosystem and tech inspired, the rules of traditional financ- John Armah consults for Governments, Major Corporate, Donor terests by typical Ghanaian High Net Worth Individual’s or the ing may not apply. Partners, Institutions on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship growing institutional family type firms for Startup investments Digest Africa’s Annual Index tracked 448 funded and M&A Initiatives and Policies affecting Youth on the continent. are for companies with proven business models, audited ac- deals of which 344 were disclosed generating a $1.2 billion The Myth around financing “ready businesses” will change if counts, no liabilities, in summary an Investment thesis typical of deal value. This report by Digest Africa considered Debt fi- the myth around the two types of businesses is understood. He has worked in key markets such as Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Tuni- requests by Banks. The typical risks applicable as KYC- “Know nancing, grants/non-equity assistance, venture capital, angel Companies with liabilities, companies without liabilities will still sia, Malaysia, South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, among Your Customer” requirements for banks apply to Startups. In investment, crowdfunding, corporate financing and initial demand capital injection. Worthy of note, not every liability is others and named as part of the Forbes 30 under 30 Most Promising contrast, Startups vary from Idea/Seed Stage to Growth, some coin offerings (which is still yet to be a valid metric in the bad business, and not all assets are good assets. But could Afri- Entrepreneurs in 2016 and 20 under 40 Most Influential Business even matured. finance world). ca’s HNI’s see the “sale of potential” than historical/projected Leaders in Ghana among others.. performance with an appreciable return on equity, at variance to Two types of businesses will continue to exist, Companies with The Venture Investments Report 2018 reported USD 725.6 a phenomenon of African startups as a measure of an industry

56 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 57 THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA AND THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

ing countries are closed. Investment in hard and soft infrastruc- We live in an era where technological change is unprece- ture as well as human capital,complemented by a scaled up, co- dented in its pace, scope and depth of impact. Harnessing that herent and accelerated effort to enhance innovation systems for progress is the surest path for Africa to deliver on its agenda for sustainable development are necessary to spread the economic, people, peace and prosperity. social and environmental benefits of frontier technologies.

Frontier technologies hold the promise to revive productivity Building sustainable programs, platforms and digital tools is es- and make plentiful resources available to eradicate poverty, en- sential to maintain user and stakeholder support, as well as to able more sustainable patterns of growth and mitigate or even maximize long-term impact. Sustainability ensures that user reverse decades of environmental degradation. However, tech- and stakeholder contributions are not minimized due to inter- nological change and innovation need to be directed towards ruptions, such as a loss of funding. inclusive and sustainable outcomes through a purposeful effort by governments, in collaboration with civil society, business and A program built for sustainability is more likely to be embedded academia. into policies, daily practices and user workflow. For many digital initiatives, institutionalization by a non-governmental If policy-makers are not proactive, technological disruption can organization, private company or local government is the ulti- entrench inequality, further marginalize the poor, and fuel reac- mate goal in achieving long-term, positive impact. For others, in- tionary movements against open societies and economies. stitutionalization is achieved by developing a business model that has sustainable revenue generation. Education will become an even more indispensable lever for development and social justice. Since digital technologies as Throughout the world, software developers, designers and tech- enablers and multipliers of other frontier technologies, leaders nology experts engage with one another through technology in- should ensure that all – and especially women and girls – are novation hubs. For example, AfriLabs is a Pan-African network given a real chance to build digital capabilities. of over 50 technology innovation hubs. These hubs bring people together to solve complex problems and encourage economic Lifelong learning will need to be supported. For those who may growth. Through these hubs, African leaders may be able struggle to keep up with the transformation, African countries to identify local developers to work on their tools or platforms will have to be innovative in providing effective social protection or learn lessons from local technology entrepreneurs that can mechanisms. inform their implementation and ongoing sustainability Most crucially, there is an urgent need for a sustained effort by planning. the international community to ensure that the multiple gaps in technological capabilities that separate developed and develop-

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A good number of women are venturing into entrepre- Stay conservative with your make up. A nude look would be neurship and are doing exceptionally well. The importance of suitable as overly bright colours come across as too dramatic. closing deals in running a business cannot be overemphasized. You should avoid red lipstick altogether. . A lot of factors need to be considered in such processes which are critical in every business. Your hair should be well done and collected. They should be clean and properly groomed. You don’t want hair all over your Appearance plays a critical role in securing business deals. Peo- face when interacting with prospective clients. ple form preconceived opinions about you by how you portray yourself. This includes grooming, gestures and body language. Perfume should be kept to the minimum. Use mild perfume This will inform how credible you are among others and subse- rather than strong perfume. It is appropriate to be subtle with quently provide the grounds for securing the deal or not. your smell so that your clients can focus on the business for the day. Don’t forget some people are sensitive to very strong Ensure your clothing is appropriate for the type of industry scents. you work in. Don’t wear clothes suited for occasions such as parties for business meetings. Clothes should be clean and Jewelry should be simple. Avoid dangling earrings, big necklac- neatly ironed. Wear clothes that compliment you. Your style es and big bracelets as they make you look clumsy. of dressing will determine if you have your act together or Lastly, ensure your body language is on point. Keep your pos- not. Wear appropriate and comfortable shoes and avoid bright ture appropriate (upright) and head balanced at eye level. Avoid coloured pairs. fidgeting with hand or any other material. Remember to smile and be friendly. Shoes with tassels and extreme embellishments should be avoided and should be clean and well fitted.

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60 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine 61 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE TOP 5 BUSINESS/ ENTREPRENEURIAL Our list is based on feedback from a survey we conducted on social EVENTS TO ATTEND media, and also events we have followed, attended and experienced. These events have shown the quality of expert production, organiza- IN GHANA IN 2019! tion and consistency. We believe the organizers do a great job on each AD edition to make the events very impactful. Derrick S. Vormawor

One way or the other, everyone wants to be a better version of themselves. In modern times, one of the easiest ways to learn and practically gain some ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB AFRICA first-hand experience and build a solid network for The second edition of The EHA conference was held at one’s business has been through attending conferences, The African Regent Hotel. This is an event which focuses workshops and business networking events. solely on entrepreneurship with the objective of reach- ing millions of entrepreneurs across the continent and We believe on the average, every entrepreneur must diaspora to network, share ideas and solve pertinent issues at least attend five (5) of such events in the year. facing the African continent. The event is organised by Here in no particular order are our Top 5 must-attend City Broadcast Gh. The next edition is scheduled for 21st business/ entrepreneurial events in 2019 if you find September, 2019. Tickets are usually sold from 100 cedis. yourself in Ghana! (Instagram: @entrepreneurshiphubafrica)

THE BUSINESS STARTUP CLINIC: This is an event by Platinum Africa Solutions Limited and powered by Access Bank Ghana’s W-Initiative. This event which is held in Ghana and Kenya began in 2017. The main focus of JOGGING WITH HEROES the event has been to help entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals and even students This is one of the most interesting business events happening in have access to viable business strategies, prac- Ghana. Participants will jog with speakers who are business moguls and tical tips and inspiration to become skilled in top notch entrepreneurs. They will get to learn from seasoned speakers whatever business or industry they venture into. and build networks with other participants as well. This is an event by According to sources, a fashion edition will be City Life Management and is a free event! held between July-August 2019 in Ghana with Participants would only have to buy a T-shirt at Gh¢30. (Instagram: @ new editions happening in Abidjan and Germa- citylifemanagementgh) ny. In Ghana, ticket are usually sold for Gh¢50 per person. (Instagram page: @tbsuc)

ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BREAKFAST YOUNG ACHIEVERS SUMMIT & MEETING AWARDS The Aspire To Inspire Network is a breakfast meet- Since 2015, TwentyPlus Group of Companies have ing which features entrepreneurs and young business been bringing some of the greatest minds and entre- leaders who are setting the pace and breaking bound- preneurs in Ghana to converge at The Annual Young aries in their respective fields. This event is to equip Achievers Summit in Accra. The event which is open participants with various guidelines in succeeding in to the youth and general public provides a platform business. The organizers of this event promises that where young business owners inspire the youth on the 2019 edition will include more ground breaking principles of success and entrepreneurship. The event projects than the previous edition which was dubbed which is a free event features an award program to ‘’PUSH’’.(Instagram:@aspiretoinspirenetwork) recognize hardworking and deserving young business owners.(Instagram: @youngachiverssummit)

62 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 63 COVER STORY COVER STORY Ambassador. humanity, & that sweet state called love at GIPC only made it official. You have to genuinely formances at live events. The youth wanted more. hand know what good our right hand does. plus that elusive, exhilarating conscious- know and believe in your product to market it. Ghana Their wish was my command. As expected, I was In other words, don’t flaunt your kindness. MSM: That world suit you, Sir. Care ness named happiness will show you has greater prospects than problems, and the earlier taken off air again. And really and truly, the ‘K’ in the DARK- to share any points you remember they have always been right there within we look beyond any political divide to seek commit- This time I was made to work in the Assistant WAH also easily represents Kindness. I that positively affected your entrepre- you. ment, truth and merit from and for all our citizens, Controllers Nick Adimado and George Crabbe’s have personally experienced the kindheart- neurship & professionalism? not spectators, the sooner Ghana will be the star of office compiling programme schedules and request edness of homebwoyy when I hadn’t re- Africa again. forms. Was I a disruptor for a purpose. Of course. quested it of him, but being smart, highly HRB: Many indeed. Here is a brief one MSM: Your former staff at GIPC intelligent and emotionally perceptive de- for each day of the week in my areas of said these: “He made us write, speak MSM: Some from GBC say you refused to obey MSM: So how did you benefit from your “dis- cided to go out of his way to show me such interest: and dress better. He set up a Most rules. You were a divergent. A disruptor. A hard obedience?” kindness that most people who judge him For Journalism: Valuable Player (MVP) Award for our man to control. Confirm or deny. by his seeming flamboyance would never 1. When in doubt, leave it out department and paid out of his own HRB: Without fighting to give that genre airplay, associate with him. look beyond his ele- 2. Question everything. Follow the mon- pocket every month. But he is nev- HRB: I objected then and still object to any obedi- how would our young creatives be encouraged to gance and you will find intelligence, kind- ey. er satisfied. He expects more every ence of what does not sit well with my conscience. make their own? How would we have our Rap, ness and a down-to-eath humanity. I have For Television & Radio Presenting, time.” Confirm or deny. Ghana Broadcasting Corporation had a NO RAP Hiplife, Kasahare and Twi Pop? Without the air- no doubt there are many great and small and Master of Ceremonies: MUSIC Policy. Why deprive a section of predomi- play how would Reggie Rockstone, Azigiza, Lord who have benefited from his generous spir- 3. If you learn, you will know. If you HRB: I loved my team at the GIPC. For nantly black musicians from getting airplay necessary Kenya, Abrewa Nana, Akyeame, Obrafour, Samini, it. Homebwoyy gat heart, people, trust me. know, it will show. what the centre represented, we needed to access an income from their honest work? R2Bees, Sarkodie, EL, M.anifest, Dr Cryme, Flow Coming from me who folks were under the For Fashion Design, Arts & Culture Pro- to have the best elements of the literate, King Stone, Eno Barony, D Black, Kofi Kinaata, impression he was in competition with as motion: cosmopolitan Ghanaian to interface with MSM: What exactly did you do to be called a dis- Kwesi Arthur, Dadie Opanka, La Meme Gang and far as our performance on radio was con- 4. An educated consumer is our best the world and present Ghana well to at- ruptor? many others get their radio and tv airplay to publish cerned since we each stood out based on customer. tract, encourage and sustain investments and flourish? Rap is an entire sector of the music the trendy nature of the music genre we For Tourism & Hospitality Management: into our industries and jobs. As Director HRB: I was suspended from work for playing Rap industry in Ghana some 32 years on. And I am still kinda stood for, this would come as a sur- 5. The customer is King; The waiter is of Public Affairs and Communications, here; Black and proud. prise, but behind the scenes homebwoyy Emperor. it was vital to have my team communi- Music on the National Network Radio and yours truly were like brothers in every For Brand Communication, Advertising cate with purpose, amity and clarity with 2 and GBC 95.7 FM. MSM: Here are what some industry pros in respect of true friendship. I could tell you & Promotion: all our stakeholders from the Presidency If I was a disruptor, I was one with a media and culture sent us about you: more about homebwoyy, His Royal Black- 6. Projecting your culture & selling to through multinational investors to the cause; a purpose, and looking back, I ness, The Darkwah..but time wont permit your customer are not mutually exclu- smallest prospective investor. All forms really don’t mind paying any price for “Known KKD forever and he is a unique earth- me.- SAMSON QUAIN, BROADCASTER, sive. of expression from the visual, the oral to it. I am not very good at marching after ling no doubt! Enlightened yet light! Style is ADMINISTRATOR, LAY PREACHER & For Public Relations: body language and cross-cultural com- others and blindly taking orders. Rules his, and he will let you know! Very Pan-Afri- MUSICIAN 7. We can agree to disagree. And we can munication were thus influenced by their must be made for a purpose and that can too! Very much about his culture but also disagree without being disagreeable. servant-leader to boost their social nous, must be shared with the team. I tested knows much about much! Great story teller “KKD the Finest! is absolutely phenom- business communication, overall com- the policy by playing Rap music with too. There is only one KKD THE FINEST and enal. He is a courteous and kind hearted MSM: Wow. I love the way your brain petence and confidence. Also allowing verses that had no curses, and still the he is aware of this fact. Yes! A great combi- soul. Sometimes underrated, often misun- works. How do you do it? them to vote for anyone but themselves shrinking violets blindly following pre- nation of all is what makes him so! His Royal derstood, but admired and respected all the in the MVP made it clear who was per- dominantly white networks were of- Blackness, no doubt. He fits in anywhere and same. He is super talented and knowledge- HRB: Thanks for the compliment. Ac- forming best so all others could learn fended so I was taken off air with no yet he maintains his! Not an easy thing to do! able; always willing to teach what he knows cident of genes, I guess. Thanks to God and work harder. And I liked that our pay for two weeks. Yup! - Reggie Rockstone, Award winning rap to all who are willing to learn and succeed. and my gene pool. Every learning shows CEO Robert Ahomka-Lindsay expected musician, Grandpapa of Hip life music Little wonder that his protégés continue to me at least one of two simple things: a lot from everyone. I researched and MSM: You could have lost your job play key roles in the major league of me- What to do and what not to do. I have prepared a full-year Communications and the chance to make the name Poncho here. First, let me establish the fact dia, arts and culture. God bless His Royal gathered many like a magpie from var- Strategy which he combed through twice you have that I’m the only one in the whole wide world Blackness KKD.”- Award-winning televi- ious engagements at the feet of my el- before approval. This made our purpose, who has the legitimate authority to refer to sion and radio host, MC and poet Johnnie ders, at work, and drinking deep of the monthly activities, resources and costs HRB: Ha haa. I still wouldn’t eat stones. HRB KKD as ‘homebwoyy’.That clarified, Hughes. cultures on my travels. And speaking of clearer for all my team and all Directors. I came back and did it again and soon here’s a prescription for the haters: twice daily: magpies, I want to pay glorious tribute Did I expect more? Yes; because they made my case to the Controller of Pro- Take 2 chill pills The first time I encountered KKD The Fin- to my Broadcasting and Elocution tutor were more brilliant than they believed. grammes at a post-mortem. Mr Joe Co- for your ill wills, est was somewhere in the very early 90’s, Madam Roberta Gardiner who taught fie and his Assistants were reasonable A love potion, where we used to record his radio programs me far more than she knows. MSM: A fellow Director recalls your men but the only radio presenter I recall to cure your to listen and study. We tried to imitate his exceptional communication skills, who showed slight support for me on hate notion!! voice so we could be as cool as him. And MSM: Is there something in particu- presence and your persuasive deliv- my quest to “lift the ban on rap music” He is The DARKWAH!Why, ‘cos then he wore his bamboo-gramed glass- lar you are searching for in life? ery at conferences and forums. At at the time was Jolly Joe Reindorf. I was D - He dares to stand out sartorially. es, and all of us went to buy pencils, then one event at the College of Surgeons, now relegated to reading duty conti- A - Awesomely, artistically articulate! divide them lengthwise into, clean out the HRB: Oh yes! Health, love, truth and he recalls investors speaking about nuity announcements, presenting Gui- R - Royalty comes naturally by his deeds, painting on the pencils and carve out differ- happiness day by day. you after your presentation and say- tar Band music and only programmes hence his ent designs on them and fix it to our glass- ing “That Director could be Presi- where I could not include any rap on K - Kingly recognition, with es so we could look like KKD. And when MSM: So what exactly do you do to dent of this country.”Can you tell us the playlist. It took another 6 months W - Worldwide he cut his hair in the half bow style, the achieve these? about that? or so before Rap was officially allowed A - Acknowledgement and acclaim cool youth followed. Same as when he cut on the National Airwaves and GBC FM He - He gets it, and that gets to the haters. his hair in the traditional dansinkran style. HRB: Cultivate a good work-life bal- in 1987. Till then, I would play instru- He is the DARKWAH, the DARK ONE! And then somewhere in the early nineties, ance. Gratitude to God and family first. HRB: Aaawwww! This was in 2008. mentals of different tunes and do the Permit me to give you an illustration of a hid- he gave a performance at Kumasi Cultural Don’t sweat the small stuff. Cherish your I am passionate about presenting the rap from the songs or my own lyrical den side of the homebwoyy, and just as well Centre where he rapped to “Dawuro” and trusted friends, the beauty of nature and best of Ghana wherever I go. Serving compositions. I would also give rap per- because Scripture teaches us not to let our left the gong gong sound and from that day I

64 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 65 COVER STORY COVER STORY er, Copyright Consultant & HRB: Wow! Permit me to ex- make a great Minister to lead any of his areas Broadcaster. press my heartfelt gratitude to MSM: So who is His Royal of expertise if he were politically inclined- each one of these great humans Blackness King KKD? GEORGE BOSOMPIM, Film & TV Produc- Hi! This is Sarkodie. I just for the kind words. Gratitude is er-Director & Lecturer have a few words I want to say the aristocrat of attitude. Every HRB: A doting dad, grateful about the legend Mr Kwasi one of you is a true shining star son, loyal friend, kind, civil and KKD...this name has become synonymous Kyei Darkwah aka KKD The indeed! God bless you all, graceful lover of dignity and with class, style and excellence... and of Finest aka His Royal Black- beauty, & expert at his survival. course the concept of BLACKNESS which ness. To start, I think giving MSM: What do you value A child of humanity born in Af- he passionately promotes. The most pro- the whole of Ghana a chance most in life? rica who is proud of his Adanse found and effective projection of the BLACK to speak about this man, you heritage and Asante culture and PERSONALITY since the impact of Godfa- know we will all have similar HRB: Next to life itself, real Es- tradition. ther of Soul Music James Brown’s defining words to describe him. Defi- tate. But kindly listen carefully. 60s hit song “SAY IT LOUD, I’M BLACK & nitely exceptional and very Real Estate because that’s what MSM: What are the principles PROUD”. No wonder KKD carries the title influential in his field, and as we live on and should leave our that guide you? “His Royal Blackness!”, a concept he person- a person in general. children. Our greatest real estate ifies on a daily basis! His confidence, level of intel- is inside our chests and between HRB: Be thankful; you have Interestingly, some dislike him and think him ligence, his ability to keep a our ears. Our hearts for feeling enough. Be kind, courteous and snobbish or unfriendly: conversely, many, clean sheet for this long plus and our brains for thinking. With truthful in all your dealings. developed extra love and attention for dress the way I dress. It’s because of him many more love him passionately and are in that voice of his, I think ev- these we can love, imagine, find Strive for Excellence, Eloquence rap culture and tradition. that I have the confidence to wear what touch with the real man: genuine, opinionat- erything wraps him up to be peace, dignity, happiness, and and Elegance as long as you can. I got the opportunity to be on same I wear and speak the way I speak . He’s ed, bold, disarming and endearing; but none The Finest. work to acquire any external real There is a verse in the Bible: stage with him around 1995 in cape really spoken to me on different levels can discount, dismiss or ignore him. Again coming from my city estate we truly desire. Titus 3:2 which I endeavour to coast at CNC where he was the MC on the pitch in my voice, when I speak KKD’s impact, (his amazing fashion-sense Tema, he was definitely an live by: for the program I was performing on. on interviews how I should conduct my- and impeccable command of the English and icon for us growing up. We MSM: For a moment I That was the first time I actually came self, be relaxed, giving me advice on my Twi languages) is nothing short of monu- all looked up to him because thought you meant land and close and we had a long chat over who music type and the fact that he knows mental!!! definitely that industry, buildings an MC is. I’m arrogant about my art but I should Some mistake his immense knowledge in broadcast media and show I remember he told me that many rap- sometimes find compromise for the sake various fields which he deliberately acquires presenting, has been domi- HRB: Ha haaa. Those are great To speak evil per’s lyrics are just playful or wasteful, of my loyal fans and soon- to-come fol- through meticulous studies, and assertively nated by the folks in Accra. too but can be blown to smith- “ braggadocio or even toxic and illegal, lowers. disseminates with a genuine desire to impact Sorry but check this out: Not ereens or washed away. The of no one, to but a true MC uses his poetry to uplift There are very few people in Ghana society, for arrogance but for those of us who only did he shine for us but mansions and riches we grab his people. that I can have conversations about cul- know the real man, his ardent desire to trans- he ruled that area with perfec- and hoard for our children are avoid quarreling, And then fast forward to 2000, I did ture and art that is uplifting and higher form society and infuse excellence far out- tion and still has it. no more than rags and grass. a tour with him in America where we than my grade. -OKYEAME KWAME, weighs people’s misconceptions about him. He has been part of my suc- It is the lessons we teach them to be gentle, and lodged on different floors in the same Award-winning Musician, Made in Gha- KKD is a master in the arts of persuasion cess story though he might and the laughter we share that to show perfect hotel. na Ambassador & CEO of One Mic En- and communication and has done more than not even have an idea that will truly last. What are pos- I remember clearly: He told me how I tertainment enough promotion of the culture be it our he played a role in the brand sessions without life itself in courtesy toward- should work out and that a true gen- music, fashion, art or lifestyle to be accorded Sarkodie. From the open sup- health? Each one chases what’s tleman dresses as he wants to be ad- As a creative person myself, I admired the status of Cultural Icon in the Creative Arts port he’s given me on radio, most valuable to them. That’s all people. dressed, and I need to smell good too. KKD from afar for his intelligence and sector. He lives that way anyway. TV, any platform, you know why there’s common sense, and ” Also because I’ve become popular, I versatility. This was long before I had One outstanding feature which has left an in- he endorses me, admires my its highest uncommon version need to do things slightly better than the opportunity to work with him on the delible imprint on my mind happened during work. Plus the one-on-one - wisdom, to help folk choose most others because that’s what will Hottest Host to find and groom budding his time as a young, exceptionally talented priceless conversations I’ve between honesty, contentment make my light shine. I got the oppor- television presenters, and Bands Alive, broadcaster: I was struck by his absolute re- had with him over the years: and compassion or corruption, tunity to also be with him on a tour I the reality show on which live bands fusal and stoic opposition to PAYOLA, liter- I drew a lot of wisdom from greed and still dissatisfaction. did with Kojo Antwi in America again. competed in various genres of music on ally refusing to be influenced through the use him. In all I can say one We went to Houston Texas. Bra Kwesi TV3. His ability to quickly adapt is in- of money in exchange for promoting music thing: He loves to see others MSM: What kind of people told me a lot of things about life and credible. With KKD, there are results, not on radio. In the process he became inadver- do well. He loves to see others do you like? how I should pro-actively take part in excuses. His desire for training and im- tently responsible for the massive success of shine, and God bless him for the raising of my children and how parting knowledge is a passion we both several Ghanaian musicians who attained and that. If you want to talk about HRB: The Honest, The Clean, important family is especially when share. He is an inspiration to Ghanaians enjoy star status today, Without KKD’s prin- The Finest, I think this will The Civil and The Creative you hit the point of actualization you everywhere and a great mentor for the cipled, compassionate intervention coupled take forever. So now to wrap realize that service to family, commu- youth especially those from Tema where with his keenness and unique presentation everything up I want to say on MSM: What kind of people nity and the world around us is the only he spent his formative years. Kwasi is a to promote Ghanaian artistes, many of our behalf of the whole of Gha- do you dislike? important thing. I will never forget this. professional international media person- biggest stars would have been deprived of na, the youth, thank you Your For a long time whenever I went into ality who will no doubt do Ghana proud the much-needed exposure critical to break- Royal Blackness KKD The HRB: I don’t dislike people. I my closet and I was looking for some- on any platform and in any boardroom ing through, as they simply did not have the Finest. God richly bless you. only dislike certain traits in them. thing to wear, I will put it together like with the best media and culture practi- funds to pay for airing their music. I can state May your legacy reign forever. Like Dishonesty. Untidiness. how will KKD wear this? Bra Kwasi’s tioners from anywhere in the world. With emphatically that no musician or producer This is coming from your boy Mocking the less fortunate. influence in my life is overwhelming. his wealth of knowledge and experience can claim to have influenced KKD with mon- - SARKODIE OBIDIPON Taking passive-aggressive digs I think it was because of him that I in Media, Culture and Tourism, and his ey in exchange for airplay. None! BIDI YOU KNOW WHAT at people they are in awe of. got to be Glitz Style fashion Icon of constant desire to improve others and Kudos The DARKWAH! KKD- the FINEST TIME IT IS Speaking ill of others behind the year. It’s because of him that I can make a lasting impression, he would indeed: sans equivocation, without argu- their back. ment!!! - CARLOS SAKYI, Musician, Produc-

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NAME: NANA DARKOA AMPEM

WHAT DO YOU DO? Creative Director at Brigy Dakks. I illustrate , design and sew Haute Couture, Bespoke African, Bridal and RTW.

BRAND NAME: Brigy Dakks

COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS: January 2017

LOCATION: Adjacent Frimps Oil Fill- ing Station at Tetegu

CONTACT AND SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES YOU CAN CALL OR WHATSAPP US ON +233542340082, EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM: @brigy_dakks FACEBOOK:@brigy_dakks SNAPCHAT: @brigy_dakks

70 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 71 Source: Deloitte. ‘A society in transition, and industry Hemp, or industrial hemp (from Old English ready to bloom. 2018 cannabis report. hænep), typically found in the northern hemisphere, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that Canada is the first G7 country to legalize is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its medical and recreational cannabis at the derived products. It is one of the fastest growing federal level. It is quickly establishing plants and was one of the first plants to be spun itself as a global leader. Medical use is into usable fiber 10,000 years ago.It can be refined now authorized at the national level in into a variety of commercial items including paper, 29 countries. textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insu- lation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. The focus on cannabis is mainly for 3 reasons 1. Genetics and cultivation Although cannabis as a drug and industrial hemp 2. Oil and derivatives are both derived from the species Cannabis sativa 3. Branded and licensed products and contain the psychoactive component tetrahy- drocannabinol (THC), they are distinct strains with The medical applications for cannabis are staggering. unique phytochemical compositions and uses.Hemp Due to this, research is being conducted sighting evi- has lower concentrations of THC and higher con- dence of the drug’s efficacy in treatment of arthritis and centrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases epilepsy as well as other diseases. or eliminates its psychoactive effects.The legality of industrial hemp varies widely between countries. The revenue that is being generated are high. Some governments regulate the concentration of THC and permit only hemp that is bred with an There can be strict security measures which can be im- especially low THC content. plemented to increase growth margins of the economy Source; Wikipedia as well as mitigate the incidence of illegalities.

Canada as a case study is amongst the few countries Its production can create employment opportunities in who have legalised this plant. The benefit in terms the nation as well provide income which can be used for of revenue cannot be overlooked further development.

The total cannabis market in Canada including Will Ghana approve of the HEMP business strictly for medical, illegal, and legal recreational products is medicinal purposes? Your guess is as good as mine. expected to generate up to $7.17 billion in total sales in 2019. Legal sales are expected to contribute more than half of this total, up to $4.34 billion in the first year.

72 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 73 TIPS FOR LIVING A HEALTHY ENTREPRENEURIAL LIFESTYLE ucts if there aren’t equipped and skilled people Every client has family and friends and no mat- Start and end your day with God, build your Lack of sleep is associated with high or low businesses. Many entrepreneurs are reluctant to Business growth and development are major to sell them? ter how amazing your product/service is, their spiritual life ,communicate with God and seek blood pressure as well as high levels of choles- open up about their problems. If these issues factors in determining the sustainability factors family and friends will trust them more than his face in your business. terol , which are the risk factors for heart disease are not addressed properly, it can have debilitat- of a business. Sadly, most businesses in Ghana 2. Low level of client engagements and commu- you. Once you avoid picking calls of a client and stroke. Having enough sleep is one of the ing consequences which can be detrimental to survive for few years and wind up. It is undebat- nication. – This is prevalent especially for com- because you haven’t been able to deliver the It takes a lot of dedication to build a success- things your body needs. the business. able that economic factors such as the exchange panies that provide services. Some people do service yet per agreement, or you once ignore a ful business, which includes one’s willingness We need to build a high emotional intelligence rate, interest rate and inflation rate play a major not keep in touch with clients after a sale (they dissatisfied client after a dissatisfied service, you to work harder than anyone else and pushing Find a routine that suits you and work with it. to be able to helps us adapt to change among factor in affecting business development. How- believe that once they have closed the deal, their are not only losing the lifetime value of a client yourself to your limit. The demanding schedule This helps to control excessive pressure. Keep- others. It is important to develop a formidable ever, one major factor which has not been giv- work is done!) but you are downgrading your brand to that per- of an entrepreneur does not provide enough ing to a regular schedule helps you to stay on approach towards dealing with stressful situa- en the needed and necessary attention is regular son’s network. That person will tell most of the room for required breaks eventually having a course. tions. training and workshops for business executives. It is expedient to note that every client has an people in his network about how ‘crappy’ your negative impact on one’s health. After all, what It’s sad to note that businesses invest so much immediate value and a lifetime value. customer service is; without confrontation, all good is success if you are not healthy to enjoy Learn to manage stress Identify the triggers; in infrastructure, branding, research and devel- Immediate value is what you gain from a client the people in that client’s network will believe the benefits. Stress is almost impossible to avoid as an entre- Due to the immense pressure that comes with opment amongst other factors but little or no per a one-time purchase and a lifetime value is this and they will also tell their network. preneur but it can be managed, while traits such entrepreneurship, anxiety and depression can contingencies are set for the training of busi- what you gain from a client over a long period Imagine the number of people who have heard Lifestyle modification: as aggression can increase and sustain growth, affect us. ness executives who represent the business in all of time. If a client purchased a service worth about your ‘crappy service’ over these years and Exercise attributes such as patience, tolerance and humil- areas and literally influence the sale and level of GHS 100 in a month, that is his immediate val- imagine the revenue opportunities you have lost Make exercise part of your daily routine, it ity can help mitigate health related conditions. You have to be careful about the early signs loyalty of the clients. ue; however, if you had nurtured the relation- within this period. Imagine if you understood doesn’t matter whether you do it in the morning, Prolonged levels of work without breaks can re- of impending mental health issues such as so- In this article, I will address 3 reasons why busi- ship and the client stayed loyal to your brand and knew the techniques to ‘Manage and Satis- afternoon or evening. sult in stress burnout, ulcers and hypertension. cial withdrawal,change in sleeping patterns and nesses in Ghana are not growing based on poor for the rest of the months, you would gain GHS fy Client Expectation In All Situations’ and the Find the time to exercise and make it your prior- Another point of regulating stress is to learn the eating habits, apathy among others. Kindly seek sales and client relationship management. 1,200 in a year, GHS 2,400 in two (2) years etc. benefit it would have delivered to your business ity. It doesn’t have to be expensive, simple brisk art of discharging tension. When you are home, medical advice or talk to a trusted person when today. walking for 30minutes is enough. try as much as possible not to focus on doing you begin to experiences such instances. 1. Assumptions that your sales executives are Lifetime value also includes all the referrals and Exercise enhances a better work-life balance and any work. Studies show that entrepreneurs take skilled enough - recommendations they will give to their family In conclusion, business growth and competitive improves problem-solving skills business related stress home which negatively Manage your workload effectively. Prioritize One of the major reasons why most business- and friends about you. So now tell me, won’t strategies aren’t only limited to quality products affects their family and relationships. It also your goals and objectives as an entrepreneur ac- es deliver low productivity is because CEO’s, you want to learn the new and modern tech- and perfect infrastructure, and technology but Eat as healthy as possible affects their comfort, health and happiness. cordingly. Spending more time at serene places MD’s and Human Resource Managers assume niques and skills to make and keep clients? most mportantly, how equipped equipped the - Your productivity is directly impacted by what The same effects are witnessed when they don’t will keep you rejuvenated all the time. their sales and customer service executives are front-line executives who interact with your cus- you eat. separate family related issues with their work. It trained enough and they must deliver excellent 3. Ignoring your clients because they were un- tomers are. - If you want both your mind and body to per- adversely affects their efficiency at work. Postponing health checks is a very dangerous results. In as much as this has a level of veracity happy with your service: This kind of investment carries more weight in form at optimal levels, then you need to practice thing to do. As individuals, our health should be and the onus lies on employees to be the best at One of the things you may experience especially determining the perception about your brand good nutrition. It is highly recommended to read books and at- our primary concern. We need to conduct regu- their job, lack of requisite training is like shoot- when you haven’t yet understood the The Art than any other factor. Invest in training these - What we eat as well as when we eat it contrib- tend conferences in one’s line of work. This will lar check ups once in every two years though its utes to our level of productivity.. reduce stress and anxiety. very relative to the age of the person. ing yourself in the leg; they may be good but of Managing and Satisfying Client Expectations executives at least quarterly to - Eat low-fat diet, include vegetables and fruits won’t be at their best without regular training on (to be treated at the sharpen and equip them to deliver even better the new and pragmatic methods to make them Masterclass) is that you may have a lot of people results. in your meals. Mental Health - As much as possible, avoid eating processed Taking care of your mental health is very essen- better in their role. who aren’t happy with your product or service foods. tial to absorb the inherent risk, stress and un- The fact that sales executives are working hard and because of this situation, you may stop pick- Register to the SUPREME BUSINESS EX- - Replace fizzy drinks with water, it is one of certainty. The state of one’s mental health can and doing well with targets does not ing their calls whiles they are waiting for you to ECUTIVE MASTERCLASS coming off on the fastest way to reduce your sugar intake and inadvertently affect the business. mean that’s their optimum and highest capacity. deliver a service or you may totally ignore them the 27 th of April and let’s go deeper in the lose weight. . Your sales executives can double their output in after delivering the service. You may think you fields of sales, client relationship management, According to a study conducted by University months if only you will start investing in them are trying to keep your peace of mind by avoid- communication and public speaking. Early bird Take time to take a break from your business of California, entrepreneurs are more likely to the same way you invest in your research & ing a disappointed client but what you do not tickets end on the 10 th of April 2019. Call and relax. develop mental health conditions like depres- development, infrastructure, products and all know is you are killing your brand; this effect is 0246796693/0203809248 for more info. Devote a particular time in the week to indulge sion, anxiety, substance abuse and bipolar disor- those investments that make you competitive. usually seen in the long term and it’s called the in hobbies. ders as compared to the people who don’t run Quality products do no sell themselves so tell DISSATISFACTION RIPPLE EFFECT. me, what is the use of good and quality prod- 74 www.mystorymagazine.com www.mystorymagazine.com 75 AFRICA’S PREMIUM ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCE

Name :Diallo Maya Age :21 Nationality : Burkinabe

Agency: 5star Model Management Body Stats Height 5’9 feet Hip :33 Waist :24 Bust: 28 Social Media :Instagram @topmodel.maya

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Name - MAWUENAM SHONELLE ADABRA She is a health care assistant by qualification, a model, an actress, television presenter and an entrepreneur.

SHONAFRIC is an upcoming television show which will showcase our African values, culture, tradition, art and design and promote tourism. SHONAFRIC also deals in African inspired interior design. It came into the limelight in February 2018.

Location Accra Phone number- 0555745849 Email - [email protected] Email - [email protected]

Social media handles Personal Instagram - am_shonelle_adabra Facebook - Model/actress shonelle adabra

Business Instagram - SHONAFRIC Facebook - SHONAFRIC

Name: Doris Mmerole Nationality : Nigerian Age: 25

Height: 5.8 *Bust:32 *Waist :26 Hip:34 Social media : instagram @doris.topmodel

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