Akua Agyemang, a Ghana-based entrepreneur, has been in the timber business for 18 years.
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on the Daily Hustle Gh show, Akua Agyemang shared that she initially worked in the clothing trade at Kantamanto, where she used to sew clothes.
However, she later transitioned into the wood business when she was given an opportunity to sell timber.
Despite lacking the capital to start with 10 million Ghana cedis, she managed to attract buyers, and her business steadily grew.
She attributes her success to honesty, which has helped her build strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
Five years into the business, she faced a major setback when her house, a self-contained home, was destroyed by fire. Left without a place to stay, she struggled to rebuild her life. However, through the support of a friend who provided her with a sawmill, she was able to restart her business. Today, she has built a multi-storey building and continues to thrive in the timber trade.
Akua Agyemang notes that the timber industry in Ghana is highly profitable, though it requires significant investment. She explains that when wood shipments arrive, they sell quickly, making it a lucrative business. However, shortages can sometimes occur, impacting supply.
With four children and a husband, she takes pride in being able to support her family through her business. One of her children, a university graduate, has joined her in the timber trade, choosing it over an office job due to its profitability.
She advises fellow Ghanaians to be serious about business and to work hard, emphasizing that financial success is possible with determination. She also highlights the importance of honesty, as it has allowed her to build trust with suppliers who deliver wood to her on credit, with partial payments made upfront.
Akua Agyemang deals in different types of wood, including Dahoma, Wawa, and Essa, and offers delivery services to customers. She assures that security is tight in her business, discouraging theft. For her, the timber business has been a life-changing venture, proving that with perseverance and integrity, one can achieve success in Ghana.