It’s difficult to believe that we have already completed our seventh day in Ghana. The experience has been extraordinary and going far too quickly for Kate, Fred and me. After a gorgeous, but long drive yesterday, it felt great to be on the ground in Accra and continuing our meetings with potential partners for Globase Ghana. We began this morning by meeting with Kingsbridge Corporate Services whose mission is to provide a “bridge out of poverty to a King’s living” via micro-financing resources, as well as, consulting services. The CEO, Manasseh Ofoe Portuphy, and his partners, Robert and Paddi were a wealth of information and resources and, like all of the Ghanaians we have met thus far, full of spirit and enthusiasm for their country.
Our Kingsbridge friends shared a story about one of their first clients, Dora, who approached them for a $150 loan. Kingsbridge provided the money but also advice on how to grow her business. Dora not only paid back her loan, but she has now grown her business to a point that she no longer requires financial support. The Kingsbridge’s focus on relationships allows them to use the power of the Ghanaian culture as a competitive advantage. As they build relationships in the varying communities, they are able to select trustworthy clients who are like Dora. Their work is inspiring and we are excited to continue our relationship with them. Thanks to Jake, one of our student leadership team members, for making the connection for us with Kingsbridge!
Also accompanying Manasseh and his team was an intern, Josh, who is an entrepreneurship major from Utah State University. Josh eagerly shared a great deal about his experience thus far in Ghana, and his excitement about the future potential of Ghana was contagious. There seems to be an opportunity to contribute around every corner and in every relationship that we encounter in Ghana. The culture and country of Ghana is infectiously gracious, warm, and full of hope – I truly am inspired in multiple ways with every new friend we make.
The opportunity for the Kelley School of Business and its students to make a sustainable, measurable positive impact for Ghanaian entrepreneurs is infinite. Equally infinite are the life-changing impressions that we can take away from Ghana as a result of our Globase experience and partnerships.
It’s tough to fall asleep each night after such thrilling days . . .
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