From selling copies of The London Times and other international newspapers on the streets of Accra to building a diversified business in the Upper East Region, Benjamin Anyanah says saving, sacrifice and the courage to start small have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
The Chief Executive Officer of BC Bencyn Group, operators of Bencyn Pharmacy and Susu Enterprise, says his journey into business did not begin with substantial capital or financial backing.
It started with a hoe.
After completing sixth form in 1987, Mr Anyanah returned to his hometown and took up rice farming, using a simple hoe given to him by his maternal uncle, a blacksmith.
He later travelled to Accra in search of better opportunities but struggled to secure formal employment.
His next opportunity came through newspaper vending.
A retailer, Charles Agbonyo, initially hesitated to give him newspapers because he was a stranger. He eventually entrusted him with just two copies of the Daily Graphic.
Mr Anyanah sold both copies and returned for more.
His small trade gradually expanded to include international publications such as The London Times, Newsweek, Ebony and Reader’s Digest.
He says the discipline of saving from those modest earnings provided the foundation for his subsequent business ventures.
“I did not start with a lot of money. I started by identifying needs and finding ways to provide solutions,” he said.
Mr Anyanah says he consistently saved part of what he earned, made sacrifices and reinvested in his activities, gradually expanding his business interests.
Those efforts eventually grew into the BC Bencyn Group, which includes Bencyn Pharmacy and Susu Enterprise.
Beyond business, Mr Anyanah pursued further education, including studies at the University of Cumbria between 2012 and 2014.
Drawing on his experience, he is encouraging young people to develop strong saving habits and exercise discipline in managing their finances.
He recommends that young people set aside at least 10 per cent of their regular income while considering appropriate insurance and investment opportunities.
“You cannot grow without saving. And you cannot grow without ambition,” he said.
Mr Anyanah also wants young people to reconsider the perception that travelling abroad is the only pathway to economic success.
He believes the determination, sacrifice and resilience young people demonstrate in pursuing opportunities abroad can equally be channelled into building businesses and careers in Ghana.
For Mr Anyanah, the journey from selling two copies of the Daily Graphic and later international newspapers in Accra to building a diversified business is evidence that entrepreneurship can begin with very little.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com|102.7 MHz| Moses Anaba| Bolgatanga
