UK-Based Ghanaian CEO of Puretic Water Shares Lessons from His Business Journey in Ghana
Eugene, a Ghanaian entrepreneur living in the UK, is the CEO of Puretic Mineral Water. He owns a water company in Ghana called Mineral Water, located in Akutuga, and currently employs around 10 workers.
According to Eugene, trying to copy and paste foreign ideas directly into the Ghanaian market without adapting them is a recipe for failure. “If you travel abroad and come back trying to impose ideas without understanding the local system, you’ll fail,” he said.
Despite living in the UK, Eugene invests heavily in his business in Ghana. “I pay each employee GH¢630 a month, provide food, daily allowances, and chop money. After they finish supplying water, they sometimes come back with extra food. Honestly, Ghana dey bee. I see money every day here,” he added.
Eugene runs a smart operation — he uses a tricycle (aboboyaa) and a truck to distribute water, and the business is thriving. “When I returned to Ghana, I told my wife, ‘I don’t even know what I’m doing in the UK.’ In Ghana, people appreciate your effort and even call you ‘boss.’”
The company produces both sachet and is currently operating in the Ashanti Region, with plans to go global. Eugene sees potential in exporting to places like Barbados, where they import water. “My water is very pure. I used to be afraid to drink even my own water, but now it’s all I drink, and I feel great — that tells me how good it is.”
The inspiration to start the business came after the loss of his mother. A friend reminded him, “Water is life and a basic necessity.” He noticed that cocoa-growing areas often have excellent water sources, so he bought a cocoa farm, cleared it, and launched his water business. “Most of the water in Ghana isn’t clean — but Puretic is different.”
Eugene has learned many lessons since setting up shop in Ghana. “After starting the business, I realized Ghanaians are even richer than some people living abroad. I don’t depend on pounds to survive in Ghana.”
He recalled an encounter with a young Uber driver who wanted to sell his brand-new 2025 car just to travel. “I told him, instead of rushing to travel, I could give him a 6-month visa — but I also advised him to use the car wisely, maybe even put it up for international rentals. Young people need guidance.”
Eugene also touched on the realities of life abroad. “The UK now has new travel laws — you can’t travel more than three times a year. And while you’re paying mortgages, rent, and bills abroad, in Ghana, I don’t pay rent. I own a motorbike, I don’t have to buy water, and I only pay electricity. I even used to send money from Ghana to cover my UK mortgage, phone bills, and credit cards.”
He recently returned from Ghana and shared one of the downsides: “My truck hit a motorbike, and the rider is demanding money to fix it. These are some of the challenges to be aware of when doing business in Ghana.”
Before launching his water company, Eugene visited Ghana four times, consulted the FDA, and did extensive research. “I know how to fix the machines, and I’m open to helping anyone who wants to venture into the water business.”
Despite all the stress and hustle abroad, Eugene finds peace in Ghana. “When I get to Circle, everyone is smiling — whether they have money or not. Abroad, people may earn more, but they’re always under pressure because of bills.”
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