By Buertey Francis Boryor
A book titled ‘Entrepreneurial Success: Competencies, Motivations, Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana’ – aiming to equip the country’s entrepreneurs with the knowledge and strategies they need to thrive in the local business environment – has been officially launched in Accra.
The seminal book combines academic rigour with practical suggestions, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, policymakers and educators. Its detailed exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in the country’s business landscape. The riveting read also appeals to a global audience interested in the dynamics of small- and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets.
Its author, Mary Anane Awuku, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the ‘Yes She Can Foundation’ (YSCF), speaking at the launch noted that the book details experiences of over 30 entrepreneurs whose journeys serve as an inspiration to many, providing a clear understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, challenges and opportunities therein.
She disclosed the passion and inspiration behind this comprehensive masterpiece. “Today marks not just the culmination of countless hours of evidence-based research, writing and editing, but also gives a moment to reflect on the essence of what it means to build something from the ground – an endeavour many of you can vividly relate to.
“This deep-rooted passion of publishing a book on entrepreneurship has been nurtured for the past 12 years. I began my research on entrepreneurship and sustainability of newly established businesses during my MBA programme in entrepreneurship in 2011. I then pursued a second Masters degree for Master of Philosophy in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, which has given birth to this book.
“When I started writing it, my primary goal was to create a practical yet inspiring guide that addresses the innumerable challenges entrepreneurs face, and to enlighten them on the competences needed for success. The contents of this book have implications for aspiring and existing business owners, job seekers, policymakers and governments,” she said.
She added: ‘Entrepreneurial Success’, being her first book is not just about personal achievement – it’s about making a lasting impact on the world. By using the book, she said, existing business owners can evaluate their own competencies in comparison with the major success indicators that have been identified; and policymakers can utilise its insights to create programmes and policies which promote entrepreneurship in an efficient manner.
Furthermore, she emphasised that entrepreneurship is a key factor in promoting economic growth, innovation and job creation – reasons the majority of economies worldwide place a high value on it.
Citing academics like Benneh-Mensah and Nyadu-Ado, she said the country’s SME sector accounts for around 92% of all its businesses – generating 70 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Some academics reviewed the book – providing valuable insights and deeper knowledge of its themes. Dr. Collins Badu Agyemang, National President-Ghana Psychological Association, while reviewing the page-turner said its author’s use of a natural image depicts graduality and patience in growing a business.
“For me, the well-paced steps represented aptly describe the five phases of a business – seed and development, growth, shake-out, maturity, renewal /decline – a metaphor for a step by step movement that every entrepreneur must appreciate,” he added.
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman-KGL Group, Alex Apau Adadey – the event’s chairman, urged the country’s entrepreneurs to embrace apprenticeships; saying they will enable them to gain the knowledge and skillset required for managing their own businesses.
The event was graced by some renowned Ghanaian entrepreneurs, politicians and academics.
