Nana Ama Serwaa, a Ghanaian based in Canada, has shared valuable lessons from her decision to relocate to Ghana to start a business, advising members of the diaspora to start small and test the ground before investing heavily.
Speaking in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Business Link, Nana Ama Serwaa explained that her initial plan was to return to Ghana and invest significantly, but experience taught her that starting small with limited capital is the wisest approach.
According to her, managing workers in Ghana can be challenging. She revealed that some workers demand money beyond their salaries, and when such requests are not met, they may demand their pay and leave abruptly. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “If I could turn back the hands of time, I would have started my business small.”
Nana Ama Serwaa addressed a common perception among people abroad that “Ghanafoɔ nyɛ biribi” (Ghanaians are not good), noting that this belief often discourages diaspora investors. However, she clarified that when you start big, people may not trust or patronize you immediately. Starting small helps build networks and trust, which are crucial because many Ghanaians prefer buying from people they know—friends, church members, or group associates.
She emphasized that networking is key to business success in Ghana.
She also debunked fears created by negative media reports about Ghana. According to her, while those abroad often hear only bad news that creates fear, her personal experience on the ground has been different. “Since I came to Ghana, I haven’t seen the things I hear abroad,” she noted, adding that media coverage often focuses more on negative stories.
Touching on customer service, Nana Ama Serwaa admitted that customer service in Ghana is generally poor, with some shops making customers feel unwelcome. She, however, made a conscious decision to prioritize excellent customer service and strong relationships, which has helped her attract many diaspora customers who are also planning to return to Ghana to do business.
She shared that although many of these diaspora customers lack connections in Ghana, she encourages them by telling them she also started without knowing anyone.
Nana Ama Serwaa revealed that she recently spent two and a half months in Canada, and upon her return to Ghana, everything at her business was still running smoothly. She credited this to constant communication with her staff, stating that she speaks with them daily and treats her workers well.
She is the CEO of T Delight, a food business that offers jollof rice, fried rice, fried yam, local and continental breakfasts (English and American), and provides nationwide delivery services. The business also specializes in pastries, doughnuts, food packaging, outdoor and indoor seating, weddings, birthday parties, ceremonies, and other special occasions.
T Delight operates from East Legon and the New Achimota Mall, opening from 7:00 a.m. daily.
On the family front, Nana Ama Serwaa revealed that her husband remains abroad, taking care of their children, and fully supported her decision to return to Ghana to pursue her business dreams.
Her story serves as a practical guide for diaspora Ghanaians: start small, build trust, invest in people, and grow steadily.
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