Author name: Dr Maxwell Ampong

Farming and Agribusiness are back in vogue! Something is definitely up there when of all the choices available to him, famous actor and political aspirant John Dumelo opts to be a large-scale farmer. That’s because he gets it. That’s because he knows that by growing farm produce for both human and animal consumption, he taps into an agricultural sector that contributes to almost 20% of Ghana’s gross domestic product (GDP). In 2009, that figure was 30.99%. The inevitable rise of industry and the incorporation of formal business models into every scalable enterprise brought boundless opportunity for every business sector. Ghanaian farmers get that even more now. The 2010 Population & Housing Census revealed that, even though agricultural households accounted for 54.2% of the total population, a large number of the members of those households lacked formal education. That situation is vastly different now. Agriculture continues to marry Business Models Today, I know medical doctors, professionals in tech, and yes even most famed actors who are heavily into farming or agribusiness because they understand what happens when agriculture marries business models properly. It is the pursuit of that marriage that impels our nation’s General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) of Ghana’s Trade Union Congress (TUC), founded in 1959,to appoint me as their first-ever Business Advisor to the collective whose members are tens of thousands strong. I have always found labour unions remarkable in their ability to facilitate growth and welfare by quite easily demonstrating the popular adage of the whole being much larger than the sum of the individual parts. From Farm to Fork I am not and will not be involved in wage negotiations, employee benefits nor anything remotely in that line. My mandate is to expedite business momentum and trade. My network and I will be providing real business opportunities, real business solutions and not excuses. Maxwell Investments Group and its affiliates like our trading subsidiary, TAFT Commodities (est. 2006), already incorporate many of these into our supply-chain enabling activities while we endeavour to take harvests all the way from farm to fork. Farmers get a bigger win when they are aware of basic economic concepts like turnover and value chain. So just like how a grain of soya bean takes calculated steps to becoming nutritious soy milk, Ghana farmers are finally getting there. I have witnessed it. For instance, coffee bean farmers in the Akuapem area are utilising the commodity as a catalyst for rapid rural development under budding companies like Asili and it’s beautiful. Ghana’s farmers are better positioned now to engage you because they are adopting Trade Facilitation principles and guidelines that will continue to serve them very well. Trade Facilitation The main goal of our Trade Facilitation efforts is to get farmers to export more in a faster, safer, more affordable and more standardised way. Imagine your local farmers effortlessly trading with global markets, moving a majority of their harvests for exports. The processes require some degree of simplification for the average farmer to comprehend the formalities, documentation and other complexities of the export-import markets. We do what it takes. This is happening now in Ghana. Farmers are seeking to have more of the available rewards on the whole value chain. It is not without its challenges. As farmers try to shy from “middlemen” who negotiate deals that have more of the available margins tilted towards them, many have been forced through countless disappointments and setbacks to have a healthy appreciation for the formal safeguards that protect exporters. As Business Advisor to GAWU, I have heard many tales, even recently, of financial losses that I feel may have been averted if only these farmers understood the different avenues available to them. I keep telling them, “You have to address what happens IF you’ve done your part well and they still say no; with your capital stuck in these exports, you are going to be negotiated down regardless of your CAD agreements”, and this happens to them a lot. These unpleasant conversations are always necessary to open farmers’ eyes to the fact that they have the power to negotiate for better payment terms and delivery requirements through the insertion of clauses that address these loopholes. Many importers respect farmers that demand for reciprocity of quality delivery. This is because by demanding for reciprocated value, you prove your competency and knowhow to deliver in the first place. Nonetheless, Ghanaian Farmers continue to build a strong capacity to tap into foreign markets by adopting these four (4) principles of our Trade Facilitation efforts with them: Standardisation Standardisation is one of the first steps towards Trade Facilitation. If you’ve been to the typical community market in Ghana, you’d know the only modus operandi is that there is no modus operandi; it’s all about how well you bargain, and outsiders usually get crushed. For cash crops, Ghanaian farmers are moving towards readily accepting standardisation guidelines. Standardisation is the creation of the framework of a set of agreements on trading parameters to which all parties of an industry, local and abroad, must adhere. This is to make sure that all the processes within said industry associated with the production of goods and services are done within the agreed upon working parameters. Ghana Cocoa Board is one of the best examples of how a regulatory body can so well standardise the growing and trading of a cash crop. Standardisation efforts by our local farmers are painting a familiar picture to importers outside, thus creating the trust and encourage for trade participation. Harmonisation After the creation of working frameworks of agreed trading parameters, farmers in Ghana are understanding that all these should mimic and mirror how things are done in other countries within the international trading community as well. Conversation moves along much more smoothly when responses are filled with “oh yes that’s how we also do it in our country”. Cashew farmers in Ghana are starting to accept the need to adopt harmonisation at a faster pace, in an effort to match

Ghanaian High Commissions, Consulates and Embassies have been busy. It is reported that over 750,000 visas have been issued so far. The excitement is high and rising, with many notable names having already passed through. I personally experienced the disquiet at the Ghana High Commission in London and I thought that was wild, until Alan mentioned what happens nowadays at the Ghanaian Consulate in New York. They’re here, and more are coming! Accra is going to be packed. With such excitement comes opportunity that can work for you as a member of the African Diaspora, or work against you if you’re not alert. This is an opinion piece. Here is one thing to consider during Ghana’s YEAR OF RETURN 2019: Consider starting a business. It doesn’t have to be anything huge, nothing too complex. One of the hardest parts of starting a business is getting people to know you exist. As part of the diaspora, what better time to start a business than a time when you can play the “President Nana Addo personally asked me to do this” card. It IS the Year Of Return. I am confident you will find a long queue of state and private agencies just eager to help you get started. Take advantage of the hype and get noticed. Ghana is after all known for her peace and responsive disposition to foreigners. To be part of the diaspora during this YEAR OF RETURN could be a great plus if you’re considering starting a business. Don’t overthink a move for having roots back at home. The thing about trying new things is, it’s never easy. Nobody is selling that you pack up your life and move to Ghana in a day. No. But having roots in Ghana can go a long way. The interest is clearly there. There’s a reason why within about a year of launching the YEAR OF RETURN, over 750k visas have been issued. Don’t overthink it. The quote below sums it up best, from someone who has actually done it, from Oxford UK to Accra Ghana. Bet on yourself! “I will say ‘go for it’. But don’t get stuck to your desk running the numbers and envisaging all the possible and impossible scenarios. Too much analysis leads to paralysis. The best way to make it happen is simply to make a leap and make it happen. You’ll only be taking a bet on yourself.” by Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia, Chairman of ENSafrica Ghana. Reverse the brain drain, then capitalise on it. The most common reason for why individuals move outside Africa is to improve their chances for a brighter future, for themselves and for family. As a developing country, there’s room for those that have the skills and expertise to push the nation forward. The Western countries have saturated markets and these do not truly offer many options to the African dreamer or entrepreneur to create and drive substantial lasting impact… not like back here at home. Many are those that have set up successful businesses here after school or work or life abroad. You’ll have a reason to holiday right at home. It’s pretty nice being in Ghana. I’m typing this in London right now. This afternoon, I couldn’t feel the left half of my face. No, it’s not the first time. Yes, it’s the cold and the worst winter period isn’t even here yet. The conditions outside Ghana drive the diaspora to yearn for the favourable tropical climate back home. What better reason to travel back home than having a business in a vacation destination that both funds the holiday, and connects you to your roots. The elephant in the room. That elephant is the Individual and Systemic Racism that many still face while living abroad. It gets refreshing to be at the place you come from, a place you feel you belong. This YEAR OF RETURN set of activities will prove vital in filling up the holes many have had in their hearts from being made to feel like their unwanted guests in a foreign land. The red carpet Ghana continues to roll out does not end after the celebrations this festive season. You should look into all that the nation has done to ensure smooth sailing should you ever want to move back or work in Ghana or with Ghanaians. Dipping even one foot into the possibility of starting a business in Ghana has its own challenges. The system in Ghana is admittedly slightly different. It will take some adjusting to, just as a move from UK to Germany, or US to France would. Ghana is ripe. All you need is the will, a ton of research and preparation, and an open mind.  ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ From My Thinking Spot While one part of this article urges you to start a business in Ghana, I can’t help but wonder all the reasons why people don’t do it, or won’t do it. Bad reviews? Unfortunate experiences? These don’t help. Of course a move like this is far complex than I put it here. But there are ways we can ensure a reduced probability for unwanted experiences during these YEAR OF RETURN celebrations. For with any set of events like these, there are predictable, easily avoidable risks, regardless of location. It’s not peculiar to Ghana. It’s a matter of common personal safety practices, with a sprinkle of common sense for good measure. For instance, it’s only prudent to attempt big steps in stages. You want to sample the fluidity of a business transaction? Maybe try with a small order at the first try. You want to move to Ghana? Maybe start with a couple short stays before moving fully. This start-small approach is particularly important when you’re considering entrepreneurial activities in Ghana. Also, manage your expectations. Accra is still far from New York or Paris. Understand where you come from. It is a beautiful place to be. That’s a fact. Managing your expectations means you have to drop the “if I was in California” or

Dear Sweetheart, You have bestowed a huge honour upon me. Within the first week this year, I became Yvonne’s husband. Today, I am also Maxie’s dad, just as you are Maxwell’s daughter and our journey begins! When I first heard I was having a daughter, I think I froze a little. Ok I froze a lot. My mind catapulted elsewhere. Someone told me it’ll all be different when I see you. I didn’t believe it. You just proved me wrong. When I first saw you, I don’t think I have ever been so star-struck and terrified at the same time in my life! You were so cool and calm, eyes locked on me, as if to tell me “it’s ok”. It is ok. And now my watch begins… You are the newest member of a close-knit family and very good friends. You will learn very fast that you will never ever be alone. I asked your godparents what they want to say to you in this letter. Uncle Richard wishes you “blessings and joy and good life everyday under the watchful eye of God sweet MJ”. Auntie Abigail wants you to know she’s “here for you MJ. If daddy says no, talk to me and let’s make him change his mind.” You will have people in your corner every single day. The amount of love available to you is enviable. I want you to read things here that will have value to you over many decades. Not necessarily a roadmap to life. More like a little compass that can help you interpret the many roadmaps you shall come across as you navigate through this world.  Number 1: there will never be a better team in the world than Real Madrid. Let’s just get that scientific fact out of the way.  I believe in Science, and common sense. Be practical. The human genome is 99% identical to that of a chimpanzee, and 50% to a banana’s. If they make you believe you are 99% chimp, better know they’re calling you 50% banana as well. In case you’re wondering, no there is no banana ancestor on both sides of the family; no chimps either. I just checked. Your physical body isn’t all that you are. Eat healthy. Exercise regularly and all that, but don’t forget to nourish the other part of you that the eyes cannot see: your soul. Refrain from things that tarnish your purity. Pray without ceasing. Keep a clean conscience at all costs and know that God is real. The atheist can’t find God for the same reason that a thief can’t find a policeman. We shall have some very interesting discussions about that last line when you’re a bit older. Never feel bad if you ever feel a little different, or for thinking out of the box. It’s part of life. A genius alters the terms of her habitat. If you feel a bit different wherever you find yourself, you’re probably a genius relative to your surroundings so brush it off. Things don’t happen to you my love. YOU happen to things so be bold. And always know that I will be crazy and weird with you anytime any day anyway. Being understood is a highly underrated pleasure and you will have a lot of that all around you. I am here for you. Your mum too, and everyone that loves you so dearly. No matter how much of a genius you might be, geniuses fail too, but the only way to conclusively fail is to give up on all your dreams. You’re allowed to be bad at some things. The smartest people in the world get some things wrong at times. Correct your mistakes quickly and get over it. It’s hard but necessary. Don’t trip on what’s behind you. The only thing that matters is: what are you going to do, right now? Your current squad is a positive one keen to remind you of your No Limitations. There are certain lines you’ll be hearing often around here. Very Reverend Baiden will be quick to tell you to Trust But Verify. You’ll be served a lot of “You Quit The Process You Quit The Results”. Counsel Abu will emphasize on Cumulative Effect.  Fair warning: some of the older ones can flip any proverb any day. It used to really confuse me as a child. Today you’re the early bird so step out, tomorrow you’re the early worm so stay in. Welcome the ways of the old and the wiser. Listening to those who have more experience gives you the wisdom to know when you’re the bird and when you’re the worm. Wisdom makes you very pretty. Being smart is beautiful. You are already very beautiful and you will keep growing pulchritudinous with every passing day. Everybody that has seen you concurs. You never have to second-guess your elegance. Human beings telling you how pretty you are must be filed under “naturally expected feedback”. Beauty is already in your blood. Look at your mother! Even your grandmothers look a decade younger and then some.  Being pretty is enough for many, but not for you my love. It is important you understand that the feedback you aspire to hear should be about the talents you’ve earned & sweated for, and the achievements you’ve worked so hard to accomplish. Your looks is just the tip of the titanic sustenance you have to offer the world. Cultivate a good and humble character, and always respect your mother. You are currently my first and only child. Your mother wants us to have eight kids but we’re still in arbitration on that. Witnessing your birth has given me a unique perspective and newfound respect for your mother, for our mothers, and for women at large. Your mum is the bravest woman I know. She’s stronger than I could ever be, a thousand fold. Try to always remind yourself that your mother has been through a lot to get you here and now that you’re here, to us you’ll forever