From Struggles to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Charles Kwadwo Fosu, aka Shaba
DJ Nyaami In an interview, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Shaba On Svtv Afrcias Business link Show, shared his incredible journey from hardship to becoming a successful photographer and entrepreneur.
Shaba was born into a challenging life. His mother was a prostitute who had seven children with different fathers due to poverty and peer influence. In 1988, she left him in the village while she continued her work in Tema. Life in the village was tough, and at a young age, Shaba resorted to stealing maize to survive. After being caught and severely punished, he decided to leave the village and travel to Tema in search of a better life.
Upon arriving in Tema, he struggled to find his mother. With no money and no direction, he wandered through different communities, finally reuniting with her at Community 10. Determined to help her leave prostitution, he took on several menial jobs, including gardening, houseboy duties, fufu pounding, and masonry work. Sadly, before he could fully support her, she became ill and was sent to the village, where she later passed away in 1995.
After his mother’s death, Shaba had nothing and was completely broke. However, fate led him to an opportunity when a man asked him to take his photographs. Although Shaba had no camera, he was determined to learn the craft. He borrowed a camera and started taking pictures, gradually building a reputation.
With time, he was introduced to McBaron Photo Lab, where he printed pictures and gained more experience. However, his first camera got spoiled, leaving him unable to work. A kind friend lent him money to buy another camera, which he used for a long time.
In 1992, he covered an NDC political rally at the stadium, but unfortunately, the camera’s film roller got damaged. Desperate for another camera, his mother advised him to visit an uncle at Community 7, who generously helped him secure a new camera.
Despite numerous setbacks, Shaba remained persistent. He later met another generous individual who gifted him a brand-new camera from Germany, allowing him to expand his business. His talent and dedication eventually won him multiple photography awards and a growing customer base.
Today, Shaba is a highly successful professional photographer with over 39 years of experience. He specializes in wedding photography, funerals, naming ceremonies, passport pictures, and studio shoots. His photography business has earned him two houses, proving that photography is a lucrative profession when done well.
His journey was not easy. Many of his peers who started with him gave up and have nothing today, but his hard work, honesty, and patience paid off. His wife, who once stood by him when others doubted him, now enjoys the fruits of their labor. Together, they have four children, three of whom have followed in his footsteps, starting photography from junior secondary school (JSS). His only daughter, however, chose makeup artistry.
One major challenge in his career has been the temptation of women. He has had many female clients request nude photoshoots, but he prides himself on maintaining professionalism. He claims to have taken over 2,000 nude pictures without ever exploiting any of his clients.
Another regret he shared was losing a digital memory card containing a client’s wedding photos. He fell ill for a week, and by the time he recovered, the footage was lost. Thankfully, someone helped him retrieve it, saving him from potential legal trouble. Since then, he backs up all his work on a laptop to avoid such issues.
Shaba encourages young people to work hard, be honest, and stay committed to their craft instead of relying on hopes of traveling abroad. He has traveled extensively across Ghana but hopes to travel outside the country soon.
His photography business continues to thrive at Community 11, Tema, where he offers photo and video services, including photo books, short videos, and full event coverage. His rates range between 9,000–10,000 GHC for premium services.
For bookings and inquiries, contact: 0244671593 (Shaba Rich Consult).
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