From Security Guard to Successful Restaurateur: The Inspiring Journey of Richard Akwasi Mireku in South Africa
Richard Akwasi Mireku, a Ghanaian who has lived in South Africa for the past ten years, recently shared his inspiring story on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
Back in Ghana, Richard used to sing in church. One day, his pastor informed him about a security job opportunity in Accra. Through another pastor, he got the job and worked as a security guard at the pastor’s residence. During one church service, when the musician was absent, Richard was asked to sing. His performance impressed everyone, and he continued combining his work as a security guard with his newfound passion for music.
Later, the pastor’s son, who was based in South Africa, gifted him a phone, a wristwatch, and a perfume. Out of gratitude, Richard decided to give those items away. One of the church members, touched by his generosity, gave him GHS 599. With support from his family, he used that money to process his visa at the South African embassy and later received additional funds from his family to buy a plane ticket.
Upon arriving in South Africa, Richard was hosted by a kind woman. He started small by cooking and selling fried rice and “check check” in salons and later learned how to prepare kenkey. His determination paid off — he now owns a successful Ghanaian restaurant that serves a variety of local dishes including tuo zaafi, waakye, kontomire stew, omotuo (Sunday special), konkonte with groundnut soup, plain rice and beans stew, and fried rice.
Through his kenkey business, Richard has been able to bring his entire family to South Africa, and they all work with him. Despite facing challenges — including being evicted from several houses because of the smell of kenkey and fish — he never gave up. At one point, when a company he supplied food to shut down, he moved his sales to the front of the building, sold everything, and eventually secured a shop nearby to run his restaurant.
He faced more struggles with rent and eviction but was later supported by some kind-hearted people who helped him buy a shop, which he gradually paid off. His business has continued to grow ever since.
Today, Richard imports Ghanaian food items to South Africa and assists others to migrate legally, helping them with everything from obtaining birth certificates to passports. He has also traveled to the United States, Canada, and Europe but continues to base his business in South Africa.
Richard’s journey is a true testament to resilience, hard work, and faith — proving that with determination, one can rise from humble beginnings to achieve success abroad.
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