My name is Robert and I am 41 years old. My wife Yvonne and I were looking for opportunities to change our lives when we returned to Ghana. We were at a low point when we heard about the GGC. But first things first.

I am a skilled carpenter and my wife used to work as a saleswoman. With the desire for a better life, I emigrated to South Africa in 2000 and Yvonne joined me in 2013. While in South Africa, I trained as a hairdresser. However, we were not financially successful there. In addition, attacks against strangers like us increased. Therefore, Yvonne returned to Ghana in 2015 and I followed in 2017.

Back in Accra, we first had to live in my mother-in-law's house. This was not easy for either of us. My wife found a job as a secretary in a school, but did not earn much money.

Fortunately, we heard advertisements on the radio from the Ghanaian-German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration. The GGC team supports returnees like us and informs us about job opportunities. Quickly, my wife and I decided that we wanted to start our own business.

Own apartment and start into self-employment

The GGC first solved our biggest problem by having the team rent an apartment for us and allowing us to attend a course on starting a business. The course lasted six months. We learned how to start a business. Digital marketing and accounting were also on the curriculum. We also learned how to build and maintain relationships with customers and clients, and what makes a good business plan.

The motivation provided by the trainers was important for us. Their practical tips were especially helpful: setting our own goals and believing that we can resolve the situation ourselves, even if challenges come our way.

Business idea: making our own soap and cosmetics

The course brought out our entrepreneurial talents. During the course, we developed the idea of trading locally made cosmetics. We advertised a locally made soap known as "black soap" on Facebook. Our target was the local market, but over time we were able to expand the business. At first, we bought the soap and repackaged it for resale, but now we make our own soap.

The black soap from Ghana is famous: it is made from roasted cocoa pods and coconut oil, and it is purely organic. It helps to restore the natural vitality and balance of the skin. Black soap is used to clean, protect and nourish the skin and hair.

Other organic products and new customers

The team from GGC was always on hand to help. We also received psychosocial support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The team from the GGC referred us to the IOM. This support was also very helpful for our new start as entrepreneurs.

Demand increased quickly. After a short time, we started receiving orders from South Africa. In the interim, we now also sell our products to Benin, Ivory Coast and Togo. Our goal is to build a company that can deliver our products all over the world.

We have discussed this development with the advisors and consultants at GGC, and they have encouraged us to expand our range. As a result, new products such as shea butter, essential oil for the skin and black shower gel have been added. We sell about 500 kilos of our products abroad every month. Currently, we employ two permanent female workers and three temporary male workers. Our dream is to add more products and employ more people.

As of: 12/2022

This text is written in simple language to ensure that it’s easy for everyone to understand.