Skilled Jobs Deserve Respect Too”—Kwaah Yeboah Urges Youth to Rethink Work and Wealth in Ghana
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Gh show, Ghanaian entrepreneur Kwaah Yeboah emphasized the need for a shift in mindset regarding skilled jobs in Ghana. He noted that professions like plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and masonry are often looked down upon, even though they offer solid income and career potential.
“In Ghana, we don’t respect skilled trades,” he said. “But when you’re doing a construction project, these are the people you end up paying the most. These jobs are not for illiterates—some of them are highly technical and require proper training.”
Kwaah explained how adding a skill to one’s formal education can open many doors. He trained in borehole installation and used to hear of people having issues with theirs. Because of his technical background, he was able to fix such problems with ease and eventually turned it into a business.
He added, “If you just complete school and sit in a bank, your growth is limited. I know a woman who studied Biological Chemistry but now sews clothes and is thriving in fashion. She started her own business and now travels to Paris.”
Kwaah believes young people should stop waiting for huge capital before starting something.
“I started small. I didn’t wait for big money. I bought equipment bit by bit. I even do TikTok videos—sometimes I get enough from just one video to feed myself for a week.”
He also shared how he once bought three excavators with money from his business, which didn’t work out. In hindsight, he believes investing wisely—possibly in financial markets—could have been a better move.
He emphasized that anyone can become successful in Ghana if they’re disciplined.
“Start small. Save. If you’re in a low place and want to rise, be humble and learn. You hardly see rich people giving out advice for free. When they speak, it’s in rare interviews—so pay attention.”
Kwaah also highlighted how people are overlooking profitable, so-called “low-end” jobs.
“There are guys who collect garbage using tricycles (aboboyaa) in Accra and earn GHC 350–600 a day. That’s more than what some office workers make. Waste management is a gold mine.”
He advised young people not to underestimate informal work or be ashamed of getting dirty.
“When I’m out drilling boreholes, people think I’m broke because I’m not in an office. But I’m doing better financially than many white-collar workers.”
Kwaah added,
“Society needs to stop glorifying only doctors, teachers, lawyers, and bankers. Tailors, hairdressers, wig makers, and artisans are also making serious money.”
He gave an example of a lady who buys wigs wholesale from China and makes a fortune from her boutique. “If you’re a young man thinking your only shot is university, think again. Opportunity comes in many forms.”
Finally, Kwaah stressed that success isn’t about traveling abroad.
“My siblings are abroad, but I’m doing better than them. Most of their money goes into bills. Meanwhile, I’m thriving in Ghana because I understand how to use my hands and solve problems.”
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