Obeng Darko on Business and Success: Key Insights from SVTV Africa
Obeng Darko, an entrepreneur, agricultural engineer, and author based in Accra, is a regular guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami.
In his discussions, he shares valuable insights about business, success, and the misconceptions surrounding prosperity.
Obeng Darko emphasizes that many people believe prosperity is inherited or comes from family wealth, but true success is built through effort and learning.
Most people dislike admitting their faults, yet self-reflection and continuous learning are key to improvement.
He notes that some individuals abroad want to return to Ghana to start a business but lack experience. For instance, a nurse or factory worker trying to run a business may struggle because they haven’t developed the necessary skills. Failure is inevitable at the beginning, but persistence is crucial.
The way business operates in Ghana differs from how it works abroad. To succeed, entrepreneurs must have control over their business, offer products or services that people need, and hire knowledgeable employees with strong work ethics.
According to Obeng Darko, capital is not the most important factor when starting a business—knowledge and strategy are.
He advises that if someone wants to open a pure water company, they should first sell sachet water to understand the market before setting up a factory. Many businesses fail because owners invest heavily in infrastructure without first gaining industry experience.
A common mistake among entrepreneurs is making premature financial decisions. When a business starts growing, some owners immediately pay large tithes, buy land, or change their children’s schools, which can lead to financial strain and business collapse.
Ghanaians abroad often think they are financially smarter than those at home, but money does not work that way.
Many Ghanaians have sustainable businesses that allow them to live comfortably without relying on salaries. In contrast, most people abroad cannot afford to stop working for even a month, as they would struggle to pay rent.
Additionally, many people do not properly research life abroad. They blindly believe prophecies about traveling without understanding the financial and social realities of living outside Ghana.
Obeng Darko challenges the belief that one can become a millionaire through a salary alone. True wealth comes from business and providing valuable services. Success requires trying multiple ventures, focusing on the one that works, and scaling it until it generates at least one million Ghana cedis a year.
If someone gets deported, they shouldn’t see it as a failure but rather as an opportunity to start fresh in Ghana. Business success is not determined by location but by mindset, knowledge, and perseverance.
Many Ghanaians either want a visa or land, but few take the time to research and plan properly. If you fail to see the importance of working in Ghana, you don’t truly value the money you make.
Indians, Chinese, Europeans, and even some Ghanaians have built successful businesses in Ghana. If you’re negative and unwilling to learn, don’t start a business. But if you develop the right mindset, gain experience, and remain persistent, business in Ghana can be highly rewarding.
Watch The Video Below:
