Money Mindset: 'Money Is in Dirty Work' - Why Young Ghanaians Refuse the Businesses That Actually Pay

Summary

Money Mindset: "Money Is in Dirty Work" — Why Young Ghanaians Refuse the Businesses That Actually Pay

Konnected Minds Podcast with Derrick Abaitey
Guest: Kingsley Opoku Sempe
Episode Date: February 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Konnected Minds Podcast explores the realities of youth unemployment in Ghana, challenging the perception that wealth only resides in "white-collar" jobs. Host Derrick Abaitey interviews young entrepreneur Kingsley Opoku Sempe, who shares his journey from years of unsuccessful job-hunting to launching a thriving distributorship and wholesale business in the Eastern region. The conversation is rich with real-world advice, mindset shifts, actionable steps to entrepreneurship, and candid reflections about ego, societal expectations, and where opportunity truly lies for young Ghanaians.

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Key Discussion Points

1. The Ghanaian Youth Employment Landscape

• Systemic Barriers:
  • Kingsley highlights how Ghana's recruitment process is like a "cartel"—jobs often go to predetermined candidates, with interviews held as a formality (00:00, 16:10).

    "Ghana's recruitment is like a cartel. They already have someone they want to pick. They are just using this interview as a formality." — Kingsley (00:00)

• Psychological Toll:
  • Three years of job-hunting left Kingsley and many peers demoralized, feeling the system is rigged against ordinary youth without special connections (01:07, 13:08).

    "I actually got to a stage, I was really depressed... it seems no company in Ghana is willing to give me that chance." — Kingsley (01:07, 13:08)

• Cultural Mindset:
  • There's a prevailing belief that success comes from office jobs, despite these being scarce and not always financially rewarding (16:34, 32:06).

    "Everyone wants a white-collar job. But Derrick, I can tell you, white-collar jobs don't pay in Ghana." — Kingsley (14:34)

2. Background and Family Influence

• Upbringing:
  • Raised by his mother, auntie, and grandmother, who together supported his schooling. No father figure or substantial family wealth (04:10–06:46).
• Work Ethic Root:
  • Family expectation to ‘pull your own weight’ influenced Kingsley's self-reliance, further motivated by a legacy of self-employment among relatives (07:30).

3. University Life and Early Aspirations

• Struggles With Fees and Accommodation:
  • University was financially tough, with Kingsley sleeping in shared accommodation and relying on extended family for fees (08:36–09:23).
• Early Exposure to Distribution Business:
  • Through family, gained hands-on experience in distributorship and brand management from age 16, fueling his later entrepreneurial path (09:31–11:50).

4. Job Search Frustration and Turning Point

• Applications and Rejections:
  • Between 2021 and 2023, Kingsley applied to 10–15 FMCG companies, often overqualified but still rejected, reinforcing the sense of system ‘cartelization’ (12:03, 17:21).

    "How can you reject me for a position that was lower for my qualification?" — Kingsley (17:00)

• Epiphany:
  • After more disappointment, realized it was time to chart his own course:

    "I need to start doing something for myself, because how I think is different from how they are thinking.” — Kingsley (14:15)

5. Starting a Business with No Capital

• Initial Steps:
  • Began working under a distributor, then seized the opportunity to take over as a local distributor when the original boss had liquidity challenges (20:00–23:29).
• Integrity and Networking:
  • Built trust with suppliers and customers through reliability and honesty, gaining crucial support from mentors and leveraging their reputational capital (27:54–29:20).

    “When a man's integrity leads him, he gets recommended by the people he has been truthful with.” — Derrick (27:54)

• Scaling Up:
  • With initial credit from suppliers, started small, reinvested profits, expanded network, and eventually employed others (23:31, 29:35).

6. "Dirty Work" Pays—Changing Mindsets About Money

• Dispelling the White-Collar Myth:
  • Most lucrative opportunities are perceived as ‘dirty work’: market trading, distributorship, logistics, sanitation (32:06, 34:38).

    "The youth today does not want to do the dirty job... Money is in Ghana, but it's in debt." — Kingsley (32:23)

• Ego as a Barrier:
  • Young people must “put their ego somewhere” and embrace practical opportunities (33:01).

    "If you want to make money, you need to put your ego somewhere. That I hold a degree, I have a master's, I have a PhD—that won't give you money." — Kingsley (33:01)

• Wealth in the Markets:
  • “Market women” often have substantial cash flow, far exceeding many degree-holders (00:40, 32:23).

7. Practical Steps to Start from Zero

• Identify a Problem:
  • Success comes from solving real, local problems—sanitation, essential goods distribution, or other “dirty” but needed services (34:27).

    "If you want to make money, just identify a problem in your locality... that's where the money comes in." — Kingsley (34:39)

• Leverage Skills:
  • Utilize communication, branding, relationship-building, and negotiation despite little or no startup capital (35:40–36:22).
• Start Small—Low Capital Model:
  • Encourages others to begin with even 1000 Ghana cedis; buy small wholesale packs, sell retail, reinvest profits (47:04–50:07).

    "A thousand cedis can get, let's say, five packs of my softener ... if they are to do retail, they will make 80 cedis per pack." — Kingsley (49:18, 50:12)

8. Challenges of the Business

• Logistics & Warehousing:
  • Delivery capacity and storage limit growth. Uses a borrowed pickup truck and is seeking a bigger warehouse (52:07–53:10).
• Competition:
  • Copycats try to lure away customers, but good relationships and service help retain loyalty (53:10–53:47).

9. Mindset, Motivation, and Financial Discipline

• Financial Discipline:
  • Pays himself only modestly (1500 GHS) to prioritize business growth. Learned about compartmentalizing reinvestment, buffer, and personal spending (43:44–45:11).

    “Businesses fail because they can’t separate reinvestment account, buffer account, and personal account… Now if I take even 100,000, I’ll be okay. But for now I’m only paying myself 1500.” — Kingsley (43:44, 44:22)

• Reward of Self-Earned Money:
  • Greater satisfaction from earning tokens through one’s initiative than handouts (41:00).
• Advice to Others:
  • Be truthful, maintain reputation, tame your ego, prioritize relationships, and focus on problem-solving (54:17).

    "Tame down your ego and money will look for you." — Kingsley quoting his grandmother (54:17)

10. Achievements and Future Vision

• Financial Trajectory:
  • From June to December, moved 1.5 million GHS in goods, with best individual month at 400,000 GHS (45:22–46:15).
• Community Building:
  • Now employs staff, serves 180 clients, and aims to uplift others by mentoring and sharing business opportunities (47:04, 49:18).
• Open Support:
  • Willing to help others get started with small capital and his own distributor links (48:07).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Systemic Barriers:
  "Ghana's recruitment is like a cartel. They already have someone they want to pick." — Kingsley (00:00)
• On Dirty Work:
  "Money is in Ghana, but it's in debt and the youth today does not want to do the dirty job... Go to Makola, you actually see market women who can buy goods worth of 100,000 and pay with physical cash." — Kingsley (00:40)
• On Personal Growth:
  "When a man's integrity leads him, he gets recommended by the people he has been truthful with." — Derrick (27:54)
• On Starting Small:
  "I didn't start with any money—what I was doing is, I actually took in bits... After a week, I mumu their money to them, and at that time, I was earning 40 cedis per pack." — Kingsley (30:16)
• On Mindset:
  "If you want to make money, you need to put your ego somewhere... A market woman takes a good worth of 15,000 and pays with cash that same day..." — Kingsley (33:01)
• On Discipline:
  "I'm only paying myself 1500 a month because if my capital doesn't reach this line, I'm not taking my money out." — Kingsley (43:44)
• On Problem Solving:
  "In the world, if you want to make money, you need to solve a problem." — Kingsley (34:39)
• On Advice:
  "Tame down your ego and money will look for you." — Kingsley quoting his grandmother (54:17)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ghana's recruitment system is a "cartel": 00:00, 16:10
• Impact of job-market frustrations: 01:07, 13:08, 17:21
• Family background and early work ethic: 04:10–07:30
• Initial entrepreneurial steps, starting with no capital: 20:00–23:29, 30:16
• Integrity and recommendation: 27:54–29:20
• Dispelling the white-collar myth—market wealth: 32:06–34:16
• Actionable advice for beginning with 1000 GHS: 47:04–50:07
• Financial discipline lessons: 43:44–45:11
• Best advice received/mindset: 54:17

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Conclusion

This episode is a compelling case study in the power of grit, humility, problem-solving, and integrity—providing valuable lessons for young Africans facing a saturated job market. Derrick and Kingsley jointly emphasize that meaningful wealth often lies in unglamorous sectors and that the right mindset shift can pave the way to both financial and personal fulfillment.

Transcript

[A]

The system in Ghana is not giving way for the average youth to think. Ghana's recruitment is like a cartel. They already have someone they want to pick. They are just using this interview as a formality to know that they are doing something.

[B]

You know how to brand products, you know how to sell products and you identified a supplier.

[A]

Then you look for people to buy. That's what I can do.

[B]

Has your life, financial life actually improved?

[A]

From June to December, I sold goods of 1.5 million Ghana cities. I only pay myself 1500amonth.

[B]

Why? A lot of young people stacking and looking for a job mentality.

[A]

Money is in Ghana, but it's in debt and the youth today does not want to do the dirty job. Go to Abu, so go to Kofrida market. Go to Makola. You actually see market women who can buy goods worth of 100,000 and pay with physical cash.

[B]

Young people finishing university, looking for jobs and not getting jobs. How does it actually make a lot of the young people feel?

[A]

This thing gets me too emotional. I actually got to a stage, I was really depressed. So I actually applied for companies for them to employ me. So many companies out of your peers.

[B]

Those that came out of university around the same time as you did, how many of them have actually gotten jobs? You're welcome to Connected Minds Podcast. My name is Derek Abaite and thank you for being a listener and a viewer of our videos and supporting this beautiful family that we have. So did you know that on your phone you can search on Apple Podcast? You can also search on Spotify and any other application you use for music. Connected Minds and listen to our podcast when you're driving, when you're going to work or when you're at a gym, even when you are cooking and you're busy, you can still listen to Connected Minds Podcast. My guest today is Kingsley Sempe. Now, Kinsley is a young businessman who is solving a problem in Koforidia and many parts of Eastern region. I call him the youngest distributor in Eastern region. A young man who is going to teach a lot of young people today how to start a small distributorship and also a wholesale business in Ghana. He's done it himself, a very young chap. I think you're really going to enjoy this conversation, especially if you are thinking of how to take products to people who need it and you don't know how to do it locally. He's your man. So sit through of how he was able to go from searching for jobs and not getting jobs and deciding that he is going to Chart his own path and create a business out of it. And now he employs people. Welcome to my studios, my brother.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

How are you?

[A]

I'm fine. Awesome.

[B]

I'm happy to have you here because you've come all the way from.

[A]

My.

[B]

Memories of Koforidia growing up as a young boy was. It's the region. It's where the regional hospital is. So whenever we have problems in Akimoda, they send us to. They call it Cassium. So. That's right. That's right. We go to Koforidia. Thanks for having you. The reason you are here today is because of a post you did.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

You made a post on LinkedIn.

[A]

LinkedIn. Yes.

[B]

Where you described the business you're doing as a young person, how you're making money, the struggle of looking for jobs and not getting a job. And it clicked with you one day that you want to start your own business.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And you've done it.

[A]

Yes. 100.

[B]

Yeah. So congratulations to you. That's a great thing to do. Anyway, so let's start off. Talk me through your background before you teach us how to make money. Talk me through your background. So mom, dad, siblings, you know, your upbringing. Talk to me. How's home?

[A]

Like, okay, home. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be on this podcast. I'm really grateful. I'm in the person of Kingsley Opoku Simpi. I'm a young entrepreneur in Kofridia. I'm actually from.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

During my upbringing, I stayed with my grandmom, Lydia Maya, my auntie Obama. She's actually a queen in New Jersey.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And my mom, Jacqueline Bimpong. I have one. One elderly brother, Richard Amel Bimpo. Starting life was like just to feel like home. Everyone was around. We used to play, we used to eat together, sleep together, and it was very nice.

[B]

Yeah. So you are probably one of the people a lot of Ghanaians might refer.

[A]

To as DB oh, not really. Not really. Okay. Because DB How. How will you describe a db Someone who was good. No. Home was naturally good because I had my grandmother and my auntie taking care of me with most of my essential needs.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

My. My mom isn't that financially good. So she. You normally get help from her elderly sister and my grandmother. So I wouldn't describe that as a.

[B]

So what job did your mom do?

[A]

My mom was she. She just have a store. He just as a shopkeeper.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Or in a business. We say a retailer.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay. And where was your dad in the picture?

[A]

My dad's story actually have no idea. About where he was.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah. I had no idea.

[B]

So you didn't grow up with your father?

[A]

No.

[B]

You grew up just your mom?

[A]

I actually don't have memories of my father.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I. I can't remember. You can't remember? No, no, no, no. It's my mom, my auntie and my grandma.

[B]

So between mom and dad, is it just you?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know mom and dad. It's just.

[A]

Yes. Me? Yes.

[B]

Okay. But how many other siblings do you have?

[A]

I have one.

[B]

Okay. Older? Younger?

[A]

No, older.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. And then. Okay. From home that wasn't around. Aunties and grandma was taking care of you? Yes, mom was doing. She was a shopkeeper essentially. So these were the people that used to pay your school fees?

[A]

Yes. You see my. My grandma, my auntie was actually paying the fees whilst my mom was paying some small, small money. Like my, My. My breakfast, lunch, giving me pockets money, all that stuff. And at times she buy books for me. But the. The main money, or let's say this, the. The money for tuition was actually coming from my auntie.

[B]

She did a fantastic job.

[A]

Fantastic.

[B]

I'm trying to figure out, which I think I will by the end of this conversation how you became so driven. What aspect of home has always driven you to try to do things by yourself?

[A]

You see, I actually grew up in a family where people just try to work their own things out. It's not like you are. You are going to be provided with the essential help you need but also needs to pull your own weight. So it got to a time when I was searching for jobs. I made some one or two calls to my aunties and other stuff that if they could help me secure a job. But today there's another story. We will get back to you. So I said no, I actually need to work my own things. Because the man that was named after me, the Mr. Simply, it was a big man in Kohl. He had his own business and every simple. I know in Ghana here didn't work for someone.

[B]

Okay, before we get to that story, I want you to take me back again.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Right to the point where aunties and grandma were taking care of you and you finished jhs.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And then you carried on to university.

[A]

Yes, please.

[B]

Okay, now talk me through your university life.

[A]

My university life was not easy. You know, it got to a time the fees was to be paid by Manti, which she did. But the hostel was an issue.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So we were. They are actually finding a way to get me to the hostel. But it's not successful. So Monty Actually had a friend in ashalaboche near the St. Peter's School, Auntie Stella. So I had to go and sleep in Auntie Stella's hall for three years to complete my university. So in the style of accommodation it was not easy because you actually sharing accommodation with three people. Yeah. Yes, it was not that easy. So but an aspect of the fee side and everything, it was good.

[B]

So Kinsley has now finished university. When you were at university actually, what were your plans in terms of job plans?

[A]

When I was university, I, I was lucky to do business administration. Okay. Because I, I actually got the inspiration for my family business. My grandmother's sister who is there, she died in 2016. Was a distributor for a big company in Ghana. Here. No, for three companies in Ghana here. Most of them were manufacturing fast moving consumer goods fmgs. So anytime I go on vacation I just try to go there just to learn something. So I was actually part of the sales team and our terrain was Konongo new Abram engine. That's where we go for sale. So it's, it's actually opened my eye to this distribution business. At age 16.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So at age 16 I was actually in the car with the company's driver moving up and down, delivering goods to customers, taking money, taking checks. So that, that was what happened during that time.

[B]

And, and so before you finish university, what were your plans? What did you want to do after university?

[A]

After university I wanted to be a brand manager for any FM fast moving consumer goods in Ghana. Because I got that skill when we were distributors of those brands.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And then Derek, I actually understand what brand management means. I can sit here with you and give you a strategy for a brand. Me? Actually my, my specialization is with foods either being foods, drinks, alcoholic. No, alcoholic. That's what my specialization is. So actually I can sit here. You can bring any brand within let's say a day. I can give you the needed steps the company used to can unuse to make sure their brands aim high. You know I, I actually learned this in marketing. You know we have and the Boston the Beast BCG metrics. This ECG metrics like it explains how brands are being categorized through dogs, true stars, true cash cows and problem child. So I can easily change a problem child for it to become a star.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So that's my, my, that that's what I can do. So actually applied for companies for them to employ me. So many companies.

[B]

So how many companies do you apply to?

[A]

If I could remember 10 to 15 fast moving consumer goods companies in Ghana.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And Some I even go for interviews, some they don't call me. So anytime I go for interviews and any question they pose to me, I answer. But they can answer my question, right? They can answer my question. So you, you, you'll be there and you'll send you a mail that you are not you, you are not sex selected. So I actually got to a stage. I was really depressed because within I feel I can work. Within I feel I can work. But it seems no company in Ghana is willing to give me that chance. If I could remember 2023, I went for an assistant brand manager managerial position. A very big company in Ghana. I got interviewed by a Nigerian and they're Nigerian. The hiring manager, the marketing manager. I actually did good and they were, they emailed me that I have qualified for the second stage.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But unfortunately the, the hiring manager resigned. So the, the process was disrupted and the parking forth was. So I think five months down the line they, they got a new marketing manager and instead of them to call me back they reposted a job back looking for a new applicant. So out of. Because I, I, I had my, I had my, I have some feeling I can still work for them. So I just applied and sure they didn't call me. I kept on applying, applying. So one day I was, I had an interview with a salesman from another company and I answered all their questions. I asked the manager two simple questions about a brand they brought which was new. The manager told me he can't answer. He only answer when I'm part of them. And I said no, I need to start doing something for myself because it's either how I think is different from how they are thinking. Okay. So I, I just needed to start something for myself.

[B]

So this thing about young people finishing university looking for jobs and not getting jobs. How does it actually make a lot of the young people feel when they are in deep search for what they see as the break their financial breakthrough?

[A]

You see, the system in Ghana is not giving way for the average youth to think, okay? Anytime the average youth finish university he will be placed in national service. And that national service he'll go and pay bribe for them to pick him to a company which like he likes with the aim of thinking like one day they will pick him as a worker. So our, our system here actually isn't giving way for us to think. Everyone wants a white collar job. But Derek, I can tell you white color jobs don't pay in Ghana. Here, okay, Money is in Ghana, but it's in debt. Go to Abu Sokha, go to Kofrida market. Go to Makola. You. You. You actually see market women who can buy goods worth of hundred thousand and pay with fiscal cash. Wow. They have no background education. But our young youth want a job that will like something like an official way. They will sit in an office with an air condition. And the reason why they actually not being picked is. You know Ghana. The. The unemployment rate is high than the jobs available too. Too many graduates are home waiting for government or institutions to work with. And only death the strong will survive. That's why I see Ghana. Ghana. Ghana's recruitment is like a cartel.

[B]

I see.

[A]

Yes. Me. That's how I see. Because during. During my interviews I have been with companies. I see. No, there is either. They already have someone they want to pick, right? So they are. They are just using this interview as a formality to know that they are doing something. But what I. I realize is they. They already have someone. And mostly jobs that are Posted in Ghana, 90% are for internal recruitment. The only time they go outside is when they want a top manager position. Like a marketing manager. Like a legal. Something like a director. That's where they go outside. But this administrative assistant, brands manager, sales manager. They fish it inside. Yes.

[B]

That's how you felt.

[A]

That's why I focus. How can you reject me for a position that was lower for my qualification that actually rejected me for that position. So. So. So let's say if I. I. Firstly I went for sales manager and I got rejected. And I actually went for a sales executive and I got rejected too.

[B]

Okay?

[A]

Yes. So if. If you understand what I'm saying.

[B]

And were they not asking for experience?

[A]

No, they're actually asking for experience. Which I had. Okay. Yes. Which I had. But I. I didn't like the idea of rejecting me for a managerial position. For you can reject for that major position. But a sales executive or let's say a sales rep. You also reject me for that social.

[B]

Kingsley, out of your peers, those that came out of university around the same time as you did, how many of them have actually gotten jobs?

[A]

Actually no. Four of them. One is working at Tatalo IO. That's that friend of mine. His father had connections, right? So it was easy for him to get a job. Another one or two people in the military, some in the customs.

[B]

So you are making this statement as evidence that you believe it's a cartel when for people to get picked into a job. There's an actual.

[A]

Yes. The reason why I'm saying this is I normally visit companies portal to look for jobs. And I actually saw one company, it's actually a recruitment company.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Having the same job descriptions, have the same job job descriptions on the. So let's say they, they do post on LinkedIn that a social company is looking for, let's say a sales rep. And it's the same line by line with the company's portal.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I actually don't know if the recruitment company is the one doing the recruitment for the company or the company itself is doing their own recruitment.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I don't know if you get what I'm saying. Yes. So the reason why I'm saying Zakata is like most of the HRS in Ghana are friends with those recruitment agencies. So you just have, oh, this, this job is available. Can you please help me get someone? And I think that's how it is done in Ghana.

[B]

You think the system is not fair to the youth that are looking for jobs?

[A]

The system is not fair. No, no, no. To me, tomokay I can talk for people, but for myself I'll say the system is not.

[B]

And how many years were you looking for jobs before you decided to start your business?

[A]

From 2021 to 2023. Almost three years.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But yeah, all right.

[B]

And then you said at a point when you had just left the job, the thought came.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That you should start your own. What was the first thing you wanted to start?

[A]

I was actually working with a man.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And. And I was actually eager to get working experience. So I accepted mep. He told me he would pay me thousands, so no problem. So I was introduced to a brand that the man had no idea of.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

He had no idea how it's being sold. So I built the brand from scratch, moving from market to men to market to men, trying to convince them to buy that thing. And in Ghana, or in Ghana, what I've realized with the marketing business, it's difficult for a supplier, for a customer to change his supplier. So yes, to change his supplier because you, you actually don't know the kind of relationship he has with the supplier. Okay. So me penetrating to get them to buy the brand was very difficult. I, I remember one customer called Abawa. I went to the woman and they told me, I have someone who brings me that product, so I won't buy. I said, oh, just buy for me. So I was just pleading with her, every day I'll be at her shop, every day I'll be on. So at times she really talk harsh. So he's not being a harsh man. But no, I said this woman will help me achieve my target. So the fourth time he told me I was. She told me I was wearing her, so I should bring her five packs.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I brought her five packs and she told me, go here, go here, go here, go here. Tell them about what said you should come.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So the second day I contacted 10 people and that was the breakthrough. So I was actually making money for the business, making money for making money for the business. But when it comes get to the time for me to get paid in, they actually turns to another story. So that was how that I started. So during that time I actually didn't know what happened between my boss and the company. I think it was liquidity issues. The cash was not coming, so they just had to cut the supply for the goods. So I was home for two months. So one day I was talking to a friend, his name is Ebenezer, he also has a business in Kofridia. And I said, Eben, this is the case. Eben asked me, do I get panic anytime I talk about this? They say yes, go for it. We were standing at the roadside, said, Kingsley, go for it. So I called the man and told the man this, what the customers are in my soul is good, but don't lose them so you can be taken from the other. Their company actually had a branch in Accra, so. So they normally come to Frieda on Mondays for sale. So I contacted the the manager, told him this is the case, but now I want to handle the distribution with the consent of my boss. Yes, he has given me the go ahead first handling. So that time I. I was not going to get the full profit the company was giving to my boss, but they were going to divide it into two. So I said no, no problem, if only the good to be delivered to me, I'll supply. But my problem is I don't have any money to buy the good. But I can promise you, if you can give me a week, I will sell and bring you the money.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So I moved from one one customer to. And then I told them this is the case now. Now I can't be bringing it to you on credit again unless you pay for. And it's oh, we have no problem because we need it. So Saturday I'll call all of them and they will place their order, maybe 100 packs. They know bring it, some will pay upright. So they wonder, they do pay upright. I just give back to the company and I take my profit. And that time I was earning 40 cities per pack those times. So I actually did that, did that, did that, did I out of integrity. I was truthful to the company. So it got to a time they increase it to two weeks and the orders were coming. So it got to a time I had a little money for me to also make purchase. So I started making purchase of 100 packs a day. So maybe if, if you actually bring me 100 packs I'll actually not get money to pay also I'll pay half and tell them in two weeks time. And up to now I'm still doing that same thing in the company. Now I also had a customer, this thing gets me too emotional. His name is Mr. Patrick Osako Frimpong. And I told him this is the case. He said no, if you want to start something for yourself I have a warehouse bring your goods in. So so it got to a time and a, a new brand came. It was this fabric softener which, which we call After Wash. After Wash. And this man had already worked with that company that supplied After Wash. Okay. So I told him suffering Pong I also want to venture into that business. Can you help me? And so no he can. So we, we, we called those time the sales manager and he picked and so this, this, this, that we need to do this, we need to do this. And Mr. Paul said I'm only doing this for, for, for, for, for his son. He has no money so how do we do it? I said oh because of Mr. Frim he, he, he has worked with the company before so they will give it to him on credit. Wow. So the good. That network of customers in Kofridia they were also demanding for that brand. The first goods that came was 100 packs and that did got finished 100 parts of that fabric softener and it got finished and we were still doing 100. 100, 200, 200. So we got to a time we, we actually needed to pump in cash for them to bring a lot because is their policy that if their car moves from Accra to Kofridia unless you pick 800 packs and I say 800 packs we don't have. But the man stood in. The man is my God on this earth, Derek. He stood in actually don't know the conversation that happened between him and the company but what I know he didn't pay because of the man's integrity. They brought it, they brought it. So the demands were high. So I had to bring in a sales girl that was my first employee. I brought in a sales girl. We actually the dream was to distribute in eastern region but due to how operations were bit by bit. We started in Kofaridia and later in just this September, I brought in a Muslim guy. Mohammed Tahiro is an imam. He had worked with Mr. Frank before. So he knew customers in Akotia, he knew customers in Nkoko, he knew customers in Oda, he knew customers in Abrim. So the first day he came, I just went with him. So I was in the car and I just sat down. I said this guy can really help me. We sold with 250 bosses. We sold all. So that was how Trade View Enterprise came into action.

[B]

What a story. You know, there are some things I don't play with, which is the power of recommendation. When a man's integrity leads him, he gets recommended by the people he has been truthful with. I think that's what this your godfather?

[A]

Yes. Mr. Franpong. Yeah, he's actually a God or head for me because Ghana is not easy for you to find someone, someone to lead you. So when he was actually helping me, I actually watched a video on LinkedIn and it was also a Nigerian. He said poverty's best friend is information symmetry. And she explained for Mr. Asymmetry as two people going for a race. One has the idea that if I take in glucose or I taking some steroids, I will run faster. The other one has no idea. So you see, at the end of the race, the one who has that information beats the one who had no idea. So I just linked it to what happened between me and that man. Yeah, the man had that information and just let me in out of integrity. They were willing to bring goods to him. And he's actually the EC of NAG Venturescofradio. He's actually, he actually has contract with CBage, the manufacturer of Safari Mini Jumbo Safari toilet rolls.

[B]

So from what you have described, a young boy who was searching for a job for almost three years.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Didn't get one and got an awakening. That okay, there are some skills I learned from the market.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

In school, from grammar as well, and then also from school.

[A]

From school.

[B]

And if I don't get this job, I'm going to create my own job. And then you get somebody to work with you find a product. Did you actually start with any money? Let me stop you here for a minute. So if it's your first time watching Connected Minds or you have been here before but still have not subscribed, do us a favor because majority of the people that watch our videos have not subscribed. This doesn't help us grow beyond what we expect. So help us by hitting the subscribe button. Thank you. Now let's get back to the conversation.

[A]

No, as I said earlier I went to the company that this is the issue because they already had a contract with my boss. My boss told me that if anything I should contact them, they may be willing to help. So I didn't start with any money but what I was doing is I, I actually take in bits. Okay, let's say five packs, ten packs from them from their sales team and distribute it to my customers in Kufridia. So after a week I mumu their money to them and that time I was earning 40 cities per pack. So if I, if I should sell 10, that's 400 cities for the day.

[B]

So when you started, how many packs were you selling?

[A]

At first I was selling, let's say 10 because I actually didn't want to get a bad reputation with the company. So actually taking bits, I actually didn't want to take bigger stocks from them. So one day a customer in Tafo, Margaret Vance told me, told me she need 50 of, of that product. Yeah. So I had to do some magic for them to, I had to convince them that this is a cool job deal. If they could supply me with 100, I'll pay them into this time. Meanwhile there was no money. But you went with Vim? Yes, I went with Vim and, and, and they had actually brought it. So when they brought it it was actually a first deal with that woman. So I was afraid she wouldn't pay that day. But that day the woman paid with cash. That very day she paid the 50 packs.

[B]

Kingsley, why a lot of young people stuck in and looking for a job mentality.

[A]

You see, as I said earlier, the system in Ghana is not giving way for the youth to think and also in Ghana, jobs or let's opportunity that will give you money are in debt.

[B]

So you think most young people don't want to do the dirty work?

[A]

They don't want to do the dirty work because I actually don't remember the, the last time I've been put on an official way. It's actually me and my Crocs. My handbag and my phone actually have customers detailing to my phone. So I just move from shop to shop. I even go to the extent of even helping them to sell. I see, yes. This, this man, this about a woman anytime like and I'm just passing in front of her shop, I even go there to help herself. So in Ghana if, if you want to make money, you need to put your ego somewhere That I hold a degree, I have a master's, I have a PhD. That won't give you money. Even though in course some people see to be my money making machine. If you get that degrees. But I mean actually don't believe that. Because if a market woman takes a good worth of 15,000 and pay with cash that same day. Actually don't buy the idea. Money is in Ghana, but it's in debt. Even gold. See how gold is being mined. Before you get to gold, you see the debts. It's actually a whole story before you get good. But we think that we need to get okay to, to be successful in Ghana. You need to get a white collar job. But actually don't think that because the first time I went to Abu Soka and they showed me one of the richest guys in Abu Sukhan. If you see his outfit, oh, you won't even give him a sitting in your house. But the guy is rich. So money is in Ghana, is in debt. And the youth today doesn't want to do the dirty job. They don't today, the dirty job.

[B]

I want you to teach the youth how they can also set themselves up as you have take me through the process.

[A]

The way they can set yourself up is in Ghana if you want. Okay. No, not actually in Ghana. In the world, if you want to make money, you need to solve a problem.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Hello. Max is solving a problem with his face. His Internet connections to other countries. Mark Zuckerberg is solving a problem because he is able to foster communication with two people from different countries. And that's giving money solve a problem. What? Me as an individual city, I'm solving a problem. I actually sell essential needs and essential goods to people. Toilet roll, washing powders, buffing, soap softness. So if you want to make money, just identify a problem, a problem, your locality. It could be sanitation, it could be anything. Just identify that problem. And that's where the money comes in. Okay.

[B]

I. I want, I want to break down your machine in bits. You have a skill and your skill is one. You know how to brand products.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know how to sell products. You know how to communicate very well. And you identified a supplier.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

That manufactures the product.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Or imports the product.

[A]

Then you look for really for people to buy.

[B]

Right. Okay. And then once you find the products plus the skill you have and the people to buy, what do you usually do first? Do you get the product first or you go to the people going to buy it first?

[A]

First I, I did a prospect. That's what I was saying. Is it's difficult for a customer to change his supplier.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So what I did first was to move to them, tell them I can give it to them at this price, which is lower. That bought their mind.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And that time I was actually not making profit, but I was thinking of a long term. I had the vision that I want to make them buy my brand. So I was actually not making loss, I was actually not making profit, but I was just breaking even in every product I saw. And on the marketing, you see, everyone wants a brand that sells low. So let's say if this cup is being sold for 120 cities in the market, then I come to you and tell you I'll give you 80 cities, you buy mine. So that's how it started.

[B]

Do the customers care about the quality?

[A]

Yes, they do care, since it's the same product.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's the same product, not imitation.

[B]

Right?

[A]

It's the same product. So it actually makes them fall in love with doing business with you? Yes.

[B]

So in the markets, is it all about pricing?

[A]

It's all about pricing.

[B]

Right.

[A]

They saw by pricing. But you know why customers ditch other suppliers is other supplies aim of making abnormal profits. Okay, but me, if it's my, my profit is 20 cities on a pack and you are able to give me 50 that profit, I'll give the product to you. Huh?

[B]

But Kingsley, why can't the lady go straight to the wholesalers or the importers and buy the product?

[A]

Because the wholesaler, they, they do with volumes. Okay, they do with volumes. As I was saying, I, I, I have this, this supplier and their policy is 800 boxes or a car will not move.

[B]

I see.

[A]

They deal with volume, so they can't buy the thing like in large quantities, we, we can buy, we can negotiate. So we, we bring them from Accra or we bring them from overseas, then we bring it to them in bits. In bits? In bits.

[B]

Okay. So in my warehouse I have 50,000 packs of toilet roll, for example. You come in and you buy half of those, right? So you know, 25000 packs and then you take it to Kofaridia market and then you take it to your people. And maybe you just. A shop may take one, right? Other shop may take two. And that's how you sell it.

[A]

Yeah, that's why.

[B]

So at the end of the month you chase people for your money or.

[A]

Not maybe two, three days, you have some, there are some customers that one will pay upright.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Others because of that relationship I have with them. Yeah, I can actually trust them. With 15000 worth of goods. There's a customer in Kofridama, Gloria. I can give my fact that yes, my glory. 15,000. I can give up yourself 20,000. And they will call you that this what I have.

[B]

And they will give you whatever money they have.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And the next time when they sell, they give it to you. Yes, but look, that is. Kingsley, has your life, financial life actually improved since you started this?

[A]

Yes, it has actually improved. Because now you doing business, you see money. Mr. Binder could always say this thing just have a cash flow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Cash comes to your hand, cash leaves cash coming. And it has changed.

[B]

You think life is better than when you were.

[A]

Life is better because my. My grandmother. Now I'm supporting my grandmother with some. Some money for her, provisions for her health. But first I had nothing.

[B]

So when you were looking for a job, how much pay were you expecting.

[A]

To get a month? This question. You know, my first interview I told them I need 2500 cities. Okay, okay, 2500.

[B]

So your target was to make 2,500?

[A]

No, it was not to make. But it got to a time I actually wanted to do something to get money. Because you a young man out of university, without any job, without nothing. At times it's frustrating and I'm actually not that type that to do bad things, to get money. Actually want to do the. I want to pass the good way. Love it to make money. So even that's why I even accepted the Thousand Cities for my. My boss. Because at least me too, I also have a feel of Thousand Cities in my hand that at the end of the month I also have something to show that I'm working.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And. And it is. Is better than someone giving you money.

[B]

Say it again, say it again. That's so profound.

[A]

Yes. You know, when you work and earn something, it is better than someone giving you that money for free. Because me, to me, to me there's nothing like free in this world. So let's say if. If I'm not working and you call me that. Oh, I should take a car from here to Medina and then deliver something to the station. You give me transportation when I come, you give me 300 cities. It's not free money. You actually paid me for what I did and actually didn't like that. Course, if I was to stay, stay home and do that. I have some people outside, my auntie will be giving me money. But it go to a time I'm a man actually need to do something for myself than always picking phone to 20 things are no good. Can you send me some 300 cities? Can you send me some 150? Can you send me some 500? And because I am not investing that money in any business, within a blink of an eye that money will vanish.

[B]

It's gone. It's gone because you're just spending them.

[A]

I'm just spending that money. So you know, in this life, everyone has an opportunity to money. Everyone but takes away for someone to earn a profit on what he or she has. So let's say if I have 10 cities.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm able to increase the 10 cities to 15 cities, which means I've gotten a profit of five cities. Nothing that they are, they are limited people that can do that. People, people see money in a way for them to spend lots. So this is five cities. Nothing, this is 20 is nothing. But me, if you give me 500 right now, I can let you come and pick two of my, my product where you earn 40 cities on that. Just 500 cities, you can buy two of my products. You are going to earn 40 cities on that product. So money itself is funny. You can get it today and tomorrow is gone. That's how I see it. And the moment you start seeing money is when you start investing that money into something lucrative like a business, like investment. You, you, you, you, you, you just, you just put that money into another business. So that's how I, I see things now and now. So far so good. It's good.

[B]

A young man in search for a job. His idea was, you know, maybe I can earn 2500. How much are you comfortably paying yourself a month now?

[A]

I, I actually want to take my business to the next level. So I'll pay myself 1500. Wow. I only pay myself 1500amonth. Because you see money. As I was saying, money is so funny. Let's say I make 50,000amonth and because it's my money, I decide to spend 40,000. I am not actually helping the company to grow. I've actually sold myself to a standard that if my capital does not reach this, this line, I'm not even taking 5,000 of my money out. Yes.

[B]

Where did you get that knowledge from?

[A]

Actually lent it on charge it. You see, actually ask charge PT why do businesses fail in Ghana? And he said because they can't separate reinvestment account buffer account and personal account. As a business person you need to have three different accounts. You need to have an emergency account in case you have a car and the car breaks down. You, you actually don't dip your hand into the capital but you take it from the buffer account and you also, you should also have an account for reinvestment and have personal account. So that's where I go. That is. Look, if I'm to invest this money into this business for some time, it will get to a time if I take 100 cities hundred thousand I'll be okay. But as for now I'm only paying myself 500.

[B]

I love it. You started this with a lot of skills but zero investment.

[A]

Zero investment.

[B]

What has been your the best month you've had in business?

[A]

My best month in terms of total revenue, my best month is December.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I sold good worth of 400,000. Wow. In December. Actually it was September but December because of the festive season it's. It's peaked at December now 400000 for December and I, I started tracking my business you know at time when, when I started the business I was actually not paying attention to my stocks, my spending. So in June this year I started tracking my business. So from June to December I sold good worth of 1.5 million Ghana cities. Good word. That's what I said. Yes. I, I have a feeling that January will supersede.

[B]

That's good, that's good. Most people have said that and the reason I'm doing these series is because I have beautiful young audience. Some of them are in university, some have just graduated. The young people, you know that see me usually and they're like you know we love what you do. I want to give them value. I want to have more young people on the, on, on in the seats speaking about their own experience. Young people who are, who have taken the path of growth and entrepreneurship like yourself. So these people may not have capital just like you didn't, but somebody may also have a thousand cities. Right? Take me through what you can do for someone who has a thousand cities. What can they do do with that thousands.

[A]

Okay. What as as a young entrepreneur I also love to see young guys or young ladies to also do stuffs for yourself. So I did last week a man from I, I even say a young guy from a Gogo drove to Kofridia nowadays actually joined people's life on TikTok just to share experience about how businesses is dying Ghana. So the guy just told me my submission was good, he wants to come to see my place. I said no problem, anytime you are free, just come. So he came I think last week and I opened my warehouse and I was like wow, wow. So we sat down and he actually brought 2,640. That book 12 of my. Of my brand. And what I did to help him was I divided my profit into two so he can sell like I do.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Yes. And I divided my profit into two so he can sell like I do. So if anyone also wants me to help irregard of where you are, I can also help you build your own. Build your own to the extent that if you have capital, I can hold your hand and take you to where the company. So you can also buy from them. Wow. Because to me, life is not how we see it. You also need to help people because I'll say, as I was saying, Mr. Franko is my God now. It's my God on earth now in. In this world. So it's my dream to also help people to climb up.

[B]

So the thousand cities. What can a thousand cities do? Let me stop you here for a minute. So if it's your first time watching Connected Minds or you have been here before but still have not subscribed, do us a favor because majority of the people that watch our videos have not subscribed. This doesn't help us grow beyond what we expect. So help us by hitting the subscribe button. Thank you. Now let's get back to the conversation.

[A]

A thousand cities can buy. In respect of what? What, what, what you want. A town cities can get, let's say five packs of my softener.

[B]

Okay, great.

[A]

A thousand cities can get, let's say five packs of my. My soups.

[B]

Okay, so you take a thousand cities, it can buy five packs of the product that you have.

[A]

Yes, please.

[B]

And when they sell it, usually. What is the margin per pack?

[A]

The margin. Since they are. Since. Since I'm. I'm dividing for them. It's 20 cities per pack.

[B]

All right. So they're going to make 20 cities profit.

[A]

Yes, that's. That's what I'm making. 10 of their money.

[B]

Right. Okay.

[A]

Ah, this is.

[B]

Sounds good.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And it depends on, you know, how.

[A]

How much. And, and actually this 10, 20 cities is for wholesale. But if they are to do retail, they actually will make 80 cities on a pack. On one. Per pack? Yes, per pack. They'll make 80 cities per pack. On one. Yes. So it's actually in their courts to decide whether. But to me, I'll advise them to do the retail. Because you are now starting.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yes, you are now starting. So you, you're actually doing the retail? Actually help you. You see, they are. Yes. There are so many problems in Ghana people can solve. There's a problem in Kofridia which I would like to use this platform to educate your viewers. See, Kofridia now has a sanitation issue because I heard where they do dump the refuse that that place is full. They come down. So someone can just buy this tricycle, then drive it every morning to every house, take the app, take their refuse. They'll give you five cities. If you are to visit 100 houses in Kofridia, you see the one you are making. That's what I'm saying. Money is in Ghana, but the youth don't like this kind of work. They want to be in offices. Yours, the average youth cannot think. In a sense, if he or she ends 800amonth, she's okay. But that's. That's sanitation business I'm talking about. If you have to get 5, 5 CDs on 100 pack is actually a lot of money. Just a day. Just a day or yeah, just a day. If you prefer to do it a week, you. You are going to get another money. Three weeks, one month, a year, two years. So the cash that's in Ghana is in debt.

[B]

Okay, Kingsley, what are some of the challenges in what you're doing?

[A]

The challenges in what I'm doing is in the aspect of logistics.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

The demand is more than. Even though I can supply a lot, but my mode of transportation to get goods to the people is limited. Right now I actually use Mr. Francon's truck. It's a pickup and at times we. We could load it to a very large. Anytime we get to the bar, they just tell us cut to quote according to your size. That's what they tell us. So one of my challenges I'm facing is logistics. And the second is warehouse because how other. How the. The how I'm expanding, I actually need a very big warehouse. And also people are trying to chart little so they can get my customers.

[B]

I see.

[A]

Yes, people also do supply. They actually don't know where they do get their product. But you know, in, in marketing, people try to be smart. But we took by God's grace, have some loyal customers. There was a time this woman, malism and anti nana, they called me that. Hey, some people brought some of your brand but we told them you are here. So you don't buy from them, you won't buy from them. So I just called to tell you and to me I said, God, this is a miracle.

[B]

Also Kingsley, thank you so much. You have already told me that you don't tend to read books. You just watch YouTube videos and also use chat.

[A]

And I, I normally watch.

[B]

Legend. I would have asked you to recommend the book, but one of my favorite questions, in fact two, the first question I'll ask is the best advice you've ever received. What's the best advice you ever got?

[A]

The best advice I've ever received is just be truthful. Don't spoil your reputation. Because that was from Mr. Frank Pond. He said it's because I have worked with them, that's why they brought the goods. So don't disappoint me. So that's the best advice. And also my grandmother also advised me that tame down your ego and money will look for you. You see, at times we do take public transport. You see, the driver will be playing high music. Anytime you just prompt him to lower it, he gets angry and the person will just, just say stop. I just want to get down that, that, that, that's. That, that moment you've lost money. So that's the bad advice. Tame down your ego and money for you.

[B]

Follow you amazing with what you are doing. Which one of these has helped you a lot? Motivation or discipline?

[A]

I would say motivation.

[B]

I see.

[A]

Yes. Because it was not easy. It was not easy. Now, Eastern region, I have 180 customers. Some I've not even seen them before.

[B]

I see.

[A]

Yes. And for. As I was saying, it's difficult for a customer to change their supplier. So out of the blue, within one and a half year to gather 180 people, which means I was doing something exceptional, foster a good relationship with them. As I was saying, I just go to their shops, help them to sell. This Christmas, I bought goods and supplied it to all of them.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

People I don't even know. I've never set my eyes on some. So the day I actually took the goose to Aquatica, that was the first time I saw some of my customers. That was the first time I saw them so dead. The journey was not easy.

[B]

Yes, but you are doing it.

[A]

You are trying. And I want to say it's determination and resilience. Just let's say, listen, if you know where you are going, don't let something distract you. Don't let anything distract you. Just move towards your goal and you make it.

[B]

How about friends? You know, are they not trying to pull you back?

[A]

Oh, I, I wouldn't even give you the chance to pull me back because now let's say I, I only have one friend. Freemit by ebay. It's actually a childhood friend. He. He is also in the picture industry. There's that frames and told me now if you call me it's not about things that will make me someone in future. Oh my new. So now I've just left some people behind. You see that? You talk to me. You told me I have this investment. If you can invest this, you put money in and restruct the profit. That's legit business, not any other fraud business. So friends, I'm. I'm actually not the type that difference from. From my workplace to home, from home to market mostly. One funny thing is I'm not actually at the office. Mostly I'm in the market. I'm with my customers. So every day I visit everyone in Gofridia. Every day I try much as possible to visit all my customers. You see, I actually don't believe in doing business with your absence. If you own a business, you need to be there because being there and not being there is two different things.

[B]

Right?

[A]

There was a time I went to Aquatica. I went to Aquatica to share a small to my customers. So I told my sales girl to go around and take some money from my customer. They said they don't give it to her because I'm not there. And with money issues a lot of marketing will have a lot of. A lot of market. They have issues with money.

[B]

I see.

[A]

So in, in case I am outside, I'm someplace and they told me, they told her if he has traveled he will be back. So when he comes, you give him the money. And the following day I went for the money.

[B]

Kingsley, thank you so much for your time. To my viewers and to my listeners, this was a very different conversation but I hope it met your expectation, especially the young people that are looking for other opportunities to make money in the country. You can apply the same principles and concepts you've heard today in several other African countries. You know, find a product, find a supplier and you know, give it to them and add your markup. So I appreciate you and if you made it to the end, I would like to know in the comments I'm going to leave details of Kingsley in the description as well. So you know where to find him.

[A]

I'm out.

[B]

My name is Derek Abayte.