From Accountant to Farmer: John Peter’s Journey to Financial Freedom
John Peter, a Ghanaian accountant, has reinvented his life as a full-time farmer after refusing to settle for an office job. His path was far from easy, and the early stages of his farming journey were filled with struggle, loss, and perseverance.
“I started doing poetry between 2015 and 2017, but my background is in accounting and finance. I completed my studies at the University of Cape Coast, but even while in school, I loved farming. I grew up observing my parents, uncles, and relatives and noticed that there was more one could achieve than being a civil servant,” John shared.
He explained that he did not want to live the same life as his father, waking up early for little reward. “I wanted financial freedom. I wanted to build my own path,” he said.
John’s introduction to farming came through a friend who advised him to invest in pig farming.
“I was determined to become an entrepreneur and own my business rather than work in an office,” he said.
He began with mushroom farming, which initially thrived. Later, in 2017, a friend encouraged him to expand into poultry farming iin Shai Hills. However, disaster struck:
“I lost everything in 2017. I invested my father’s money in the farm and everything collapsed.”
Despite these setbacks, John remained positive.
“It wasn’t easy at the time. My aunt in Chicago helped me financially to establish my business in Ghana”.
John’s first poultry venture faced numerous hurdles. Chronic chicken illnesses destroyed most of the birds, and he struggled to cover feeding costs.
“We started with 1,000 to 2,500 birds. At one point, I ran out of money and a lady loaned me funds to feed 3,500 birds. I sold eggs and repaid my debt,” he said.
Even as he battled losses, John continued writing poetry, which he balanced alongside his farm work.
“I survived in the bush by myself, sometimes going without food. People would sometimes come, buy 30,000 cedis worth of produce, and run away with the money,” he recounted.
John then saw an opportunity in land sales at Shadow Hills. He convinced his artist to buy land and added his own, eventually acquiring 12 plots.
“My aunt left me to continue the business on my own. Everything seemed to collapse, but I told myself I would make it. I’m a brilliant student, and I believed in my potential,” he said.
John emphasizes that poultry farming is profitable but requires knowledge and planning: feed formulation, medicine administration, and understanding bird behavior. He also stresses obtaining permission for family land before starting a farm to avoid conflicts and wasted resources.
A key part of John’s journey has been his wife, a nurse who supported him through thick and thin.
“I met her when I had lost everything. She did everything humanly possible to help me rebuild,” he said.
Today, John has achieved financial freedom. He owns his home, runs multiple farms, employs three workers, and raises 2,500 birds from chicks to sale. He also builds farms for other people, earning income while teaching others the craft.
“Farming has been incredibly rewarding. It has given me financial independence, peace of mind, and allowed me to provide for my family. I no longer beg to eat; I teach, I earn, and I take care of my children. Farming changed my life completely,” John concluded.
John advises anyone starting a farm to check regulations with local authorities and get family blessings if using family land. “If you ignore these steps, you could waste money and time. Proper preparation is key to success in farming,” he said.
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