Kofi, the founder of Kofi Farms, is a Ghanaian who spent 10 years in Brazil before returning home to start a poultry business in October last year. He shared his journey on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle GH highlighting the lessons, struggles, and breakthroughs that shaped his decision.
Kofi left Ghana in 2015 for Brazil after waiting for his academic results in 2014. At first, he thought he was going to Brazil to watch the World Cup, but later realized it was actually a scholarship opportunity. Upon arrival, he had to study Portuguese for a full year before starting his degree program.
He graduated around the COVID-19 period (2019–2020). After graduation, he tried teaching English online in Brazil, but it didn’t bring in enough income, so he switched to factory work. Despite the effort, he saw little progress.
“I calculated that I had spent 10 years in Brazil with no significant improvement in life,” he said.
Kofi even tried running an online radio station in Brazil with 10 presenters, but financial challenges forced them to shut it down. Around that time, he came across motivational content from Obeng Darko, which deeply resonated with him. Inspired, he called his mother in Ghana, who mentioned she had five egg-laying chickens. That sparked a business idea.
Kofi partnered with his mother and started a small poultry farm with just 50 birds. They later added 75 more, totaling 125 birds. Unfortunately, their first attempt didn’t go well, but instead of giving up, they decided to research and learn more about poultry farming.
Eventually, Kofi and a friend decided one of them had to travel to Ghana to check on things personally. He returned last month.
Reflecting on his time in Brazil, Kofi noted, “Brazil is better for skilled workers like doctors, engineers, and IT professionals. For others, it’s tough—many Ghanaians there can’t even afford a ticket back home.”
He added,
“Farming in Brazil is almost impossible for someone like me, but in Ghana, it’s doable. Social media also makes things easier now. When I returned, I found out the chickens had stopped laying eggs because the feed had been changed.”
Kofi acknowledged that many young Ghanaians in Brazil are working hard and doing well. One of his friends even completed building a house in Ghana between December and February. That also motivated him to return home.
Today, Kofi Farms is expanding. They’ve gone from 50 birds to adding 400 layers. They also breed and sell chicks.
“I’ve received brooding deals for up to 500 birds,” he said. Although there were setbacks—like going from 10 crates of eggs a day to just 1.5 crates due to feed issues—he remains hopeful.
“We now have 68 older birds still laying. The black hens help a lot in terms of feed efficiency. The work may be demanding, but the freedom I have and the results I see make it all worth it.”
Kofi credits his partners, Josh and Bertha, for their dedication and teamwork.
“If I put the same effort in Ghana that I did in Brazil, I believe I’ll make it here.”
Even though his return ticket to Brazil has expired, he stays motivated by watching Obeng Darko’s videos whenever the pressure to go back sets in.
“My journey has taught me that success isn’t about location—it’s about mindset, persistence, and taking action. Ghana has opportunities too, if we focus and put in the work.”
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