“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” – African Proverb

Miss Patrice Robertson

In Ghana, the greatest battle for youth entrepreneurship isn’t with external challenges—it’s with the fear, doubt, and hesitation within. Yet, Ghana's youth are seated on untapped potential, surrounded by a rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and a growing digital landscape. The question is, how can this potential be turned into action?

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (2023), youth unemployment stands at 19.7%, leaving many young people idle. But here’s the silver lining: entrepreneurship offers a pathway—not an easy one, but a rewarding one. It doesn’t promise fast riches, but it brings home honest resources and equips you with life-changing skills.

If you’re ready to take that leap, here are the seven key steps to starting a business in Ghana and why they matter:

1. Identify a Problem Worth Solving

The foundation of any successful business lies in solving a problem. Look around your community or industry and ask: What are people struggling with? What need isn’t being met?

Example: Long queues at the bank inspired fintech apps like Zeepay and Hubtel, revolutionizing how Ghanaians handle transactions.

2. Develop a Simple but Clear Business Plan

A business plan doesn’t have to be a 50-page document. Start with the basics:

• What’s your product or service?
• Who are your customers?
• How will you make money?

This clarity will guide your actions and attract potential investors or supporters.

3. Start Small and Scale Gradually

Dream big, but start where you are with what you have. Many Ghanaian success stories began humbly—with backyard farms, home kitchens, or second-hand sewing machines.

Pro Tip: Focus on building a minimum viable product (MVP) to test your idea and gather feedback.

4. Find a Mentor and Accountability Partner

No entrepreneur succeeds alone. A mentor provides guidance, wisdom, and connections, while an accountability partner keeps you on track.

Actionable Tip: Reach out to successful local business owners or programs like the Ghana Enterprise Agency and Ghana Chamber of Young Entreprenuers for mentorship opportunities.

5. Leverage Technology and Social Media

In today’s digital age, technology can make or break your business. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are free tools to market your brand, connect with customers, and build a loyal community.

Example: Entrepreneurs like Kofi Anku use platforms like LinkedIn to share their journey and attract customers.

6. Master Financial Discipline

Money can make or break your business. Learn how to budget, save, and reinvest wisely. Remember, every cedi counts when you’re starting out.

Fact: Studies show that 70% of small businesses fail within the first three years due to poor financial management. Don’t let yours be one of them.

7. Be Patient, Persistent, and Open to Learning

Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll face setbacks, rejections, and failures—but each experience is a lesson that strengthens your journey.

Reminder: Building a business isn’t just about profit; it’s about creating value, building trust, and impacting lives.

Entrepreneurship doesn’t promise quick riches, but it offers something far more valuable: the freedom to create, the chance to learn, and the opportunity to leave a legacy. Every small step you take brings you closer to achieving not just personal success, but also community transformation.

By starting a business, you’re not just solving problems—you’re inspiring others to do the same. You’re contributing to Ghana’s economy and proving that with courage, creativity, and persistence, youth can be the heartbeat of progress.

The road is never easy, but it’s always worth it. Ghana needs young innovators who dare to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and create solutions that will shape the future.

If you’re a young person in Ghana wondering whether to start, let this be your sign. Find a mentor, partner with people who hold you accountable, and start small. The most important thing is to start.

What’s the one challenge holding you back from starting your business?