Mr Samuel Kumi Gyau, popularly known as Sammy, is the CEO of Gold Coast Tokota—a footwear brand specializing in Ahenema and modern shoes. “Tokota” means “shoe” in Ga, and the brand reflects Ghanaian heritage while aiming for a global reach. Established in 2023, Gold Coast Tokota is not limited to Ghana or Africa; Sammy has expanded operations to international markets, with satellite stations in London, Miami, and Nairobi.
The inspiration behind Gold Coast Tokota came unexpectedly. While in university, someone gifted Sammy a Ghana-made shoe, which he reserved for special occasions. However, on an important day, he picked up the shoe only to find it damaged. That moment sparked a vision—to create durable, high-quality footwear that would last. He began his journey in 2017, refining his craft and officially launching Gold Coast Tokota in 2023.
Sammy studied Business Administration and Accounting. During his national service, he worked at a company before joining Icy Cup, where he supervised operations in Accra from 2018 to 2022. His experience there broadened his perspective, but the low patronage after COVID-19 led him to fully commit to his own venture.
Starting with personal savings, Sammy handled everything—social media marketing, accounting, and sales. Today, Gold Coast Tokota has grown to a team of 15 professionals, including marketers, production staff, lawyers, graphic designers, and accountants. While he understands shoemaking, he has hired skilled artisans to focus on production while he oversees business expansion.
Sammy has also traveled to East Africa to learn from the largest leather production companies, ensuring that Gold Coast Tokota sources the best materials. The company prioritizes local Ghanaian materials but is also exploring sourcing options across Africa.
In five years, Sammy plans to venture into cattle farming. This will allow him to produce high-quality leather locally while also selling cattle, creating a self-sustaining business ecosystem. Moving from a distribution model to an integrated supply chain will ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
Sammy believes in structured business growth and accountability. He follows a leadership philosophy inspired by football managers—placing the right people in the right roles for efficiency. He emphasizes that:
- If you leave your business for 90 days and it collapses, you’re not a true entrepreneur—you’re just self-employed. He plans to test his business’s sustainability by stepping away for three months.
- Discipline and hard work are key. “Nyame bɛyɛ”—God helps those who help themselves.
- Delayed gratification is crucial. Instead of splurging on luxuries like the latest iPhone, reinvest profits into business growth.
- Employees must be proactive. He values efficiency and does not tolerate slow work.
- He prioritizes skills over age—his current production manager is only 22 years old but leads a team of older artisans.
Gold Coast Tokota continues to gain recognition, offering modernized Ahenema and slippers. Regular Ahenema costs GHC 400, while specialty designs featuring symbols like tigers, lions, and sesegua cost GHC 500. Regular slippers retail at GHC 350.
The brand delivers worldwide and is based in Haatso, Accra. With planned tours in Europe and the U.S. this summer, Gold Coast Tokota is set to take Ghanaian footwear to the world.
Follow Gold Coast Tokota on social media: @goldcoasttokota.
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