It was a typical day behind the wheel, the sun casting its warm glow over the city as I weaved through the maze of traffic. That’s when he appeared, an elderly man in his 50s, his demeanour carrying an air of mystery. As he settled into the backseat of my car, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter would be different.
Engaging in polite small talk, I soon learned that my passenger was a seasoned consultant, his years of experience evident in the lines etched upon his face. Curiosity piqued, I posed the question that had been lingering in my mind: “What can make someone successful in Ghana?”
Leaning back, he let out a contemplative sigh before delving into his response. His words were measured, each sentence weighed with wisdom accumulated over decades of navigating the intricacies of Ghanaian society.
“Success in Ghana,” he began, “is not merely about ambition or talent, though those certainly play a role. It’s about humility, about keeping your head down and staying grounded even as you reach for the stars.”
As we traversed the city, he wove tales of individuals who embodied this ethos. From the street hawkers who tirelessly peddled their wares from dawn till dusk, to the entrepreneurs who quietly built their empires away from the spotlight, each story painted a picture of resilience in the face of adversity.
“For instance, many years ago, I encountered a young street hawker named Kwame. His determination and resilience left a lasting impression on me, as he tirelessly peddled his “PK bubble gum” from dawn till dusk, his voice rising above the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.”, He laughed. “You may be too young to remember PK being sold on the streets,” he said as he chuckled.
“Despite the challenges he faced, Kwame approached his work with unwavering determination, his humility shining through in every interaction. Over the years, I watched as Kwame’s business flourished, his stall growing in size and reputation as he earned the respect of his peers and customers alike.”
“Today, Kwame is a successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses under his belt. His journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success is a testament to the power of resilience and humility, and I am proud to have played a small part in his story.”
“Minimizing fatal mistakes,” he continued, his voice tinged with a hint of regret, “is another crucial aspect of success. In a country where opportunities can be scarce and resources limited, one wrong move can spell disaster. It’s about making calculated decisions, learning from failures, and pressing forward with unwavering determination.”
“Look”, he continued, “I once knew a guy, let’s call him Kofi.Fresh out of university, Kofi had landed a coveted position at a prestigious firm, his star seemingly on the rise. But as the pressures of corporate life mounted, Kofi found himself grappling with the weight of expectations, his desire for success clouding his judgment.”
“It was a pivotal moment in Kofi’s career when he was presented with a high-stakes opportunity, a chance to spearhead a major project that could catapult him to the top of the corporate ladder. Eager to prove himself, Kofi dove headfirst into the task at hand, his ambition blinding him to the potential pitfalls that lay ahead.”
“But alas, Kofi’s enthusiasm proved to be his undoing. In his haste to impress, he made a series of critical errors, each one compounding the last until it was too late to salvage the project. The fallout was swift and severe, leaving Kofi’s career in tatters and his dreams of success shattered.”
“But perhaps,” he mused, “the most overlooked aspect of success is the art of diplomacy. In a tightly-knit community like ours, the relationships we cultivate can make or break our endeavours. It’s about minimising the number of enemies you make, finding common ground even amidst disagreements, and fostering a network of support that extends far beyond the confines of our own ambitions.”
“Let me also tell you about Nana,” he said. “Nana was a bright and ambitious man, with a sharp mind and a hunger for success that burned like a fire within him.”
“Fresh out of university, Nana landed a coveted position at a prestigious firm, but as he climbed the corporate ladder, Nana’s ambition often got the better of him, his desire for success clouding his judgment and leading him to burn bridges with those around him.”
“I vividly recall a pivotal moment in Nana’s career when he found himself at odds with a key colleague, a disagreement that quickly escalated into a full-blown conflict. Rather than seeking common ground or finding a diplomatic solution, Nana dug in his heels, convinced of his own righteousness and unwilling to compromise.”
“The fallout was swift and severe. Nana’s reputation within the company suffered irreparable damage, his once-promising career derailed by his inability to navigate the delicate nuances of workplace politics and interpersonal relationships.”
As we neared our destination, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected wisdom imparted by my passenger. In a society where success is often equated with wealth or status, his words served as a poignant reminder of the intangible qualities that truly define achievement.
As he stepped out of the car, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought us together.
In the end, success in Ghana is not merely a destination but a journey marked by humility, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams. And as I continued to navigate the winding roads of life, I carried with me the timeless wisdom of the streets.
Hello, my name is Dede Nyansapo. I am an entrepreneur who also participates in Accra’s burgeoning gig economy as a driver. My love for meeting fascinating people and my curiosity about how they think usually places me in the midst of some very entertaining conversations. Invariably, these conversations lead to some key learnings that may be useful to anyone on their business journey.
