Kwame, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and former resident of the United States, is now based in Accra and originally hails from the Denkyembo area. In an interview with DJ Nyaami on Business Link, Kwame shared his journey of transformation—from the U.S. back to Ghana, where he is now making waves in the automotive and general trading sectors.
Kwame currently sells automotive paint, general-purpose paint, poly utensils, Bostik, and more. He imports goods from Dubai and also sources from the local market. His shop is located at Asafo Market, and he owns an aboboyaa (cargo tricycle) to support deliveries.
“I started this business about a year and a half ago,” Kwame said. “Before that, I tried working in a lab, but it didn’t work out. I had the knowledge, but the system failed me.”
At one point, Kwame and his wife opened a pharmacy, which is still operating. However, he later decided to shift his focus to the automotive and spare parts industry, particularly for saloon and heavy-duty vehicles. Though not a lab technician by profession, Kwame credits the “school of life” for most of his knowledge.
“I only went to high school, but the street taught me everything. I used to sell medical equipment too.”
Kwame spent 13 years living in the U.S., a period he calls “not the American Dream, but an American nightmare.” He lived in states like Texas and New York, but after years of hustling and struggling, he decided it was time to come back home.
“I used to work 5 jobs, and still, things weren’t working. After learning from Obeng Darko, I realized that only broke people think small jobs will make them rich. I left America and shipped everything back to Ghana.”
He added,
“If I had started in Ghana with the same energy I gave America, I’d be rich by now. I wasted 13 years there.”
Kwame encourages others to rethink the belief that success is only possible abroad.
“If you go to the U.S. and don’t have a strong plan or mindset, you’ll end up doing menial jobs. Ghana is full of opportunities, but many don’t see it.”
Kwame also recalled some tough times. He and his wife once owed over GHS 40,000 due to a loan they took for their pharmacy business. Their store was even targeted by armed robbers just two weeks ago. “Yes, it hurts, but I’m human. I don’t let challenges shake my faith.”
He currently owns four businesses, including shops and a pharmacy where he imports and sells medicine like cod liver oil and syrup. Through the Obeng Darko network, someone once gifted him engine oil and spray to help him get started. That same person later gave him the capital to launch his paint business.
“When people see you driving a nice car, they think you’re rich,” he said, “but true wealth is in owning businesses and employing others. Your circle determines your growth.”
Kwame also warns about the illusion of life abroad.
“If your mind is stuck on just traveling, your mindset is limited. I know someone who took GHS 30,000 to go to the U.S. She’s now struggling in New York. Many people think giving birth abroad or having a visa is success—but some go and end up doing hard labor.”
He concluded with a powerful message: “Ghana is heaven if you know what to do and stay focused.”
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