Kwame Despite: 10 quick facts you didn't know about the millionaire
Kwame Despite is not a new name in Ghana. He has made headlines both in Africa and internationally as a result of his vast wealth. The renowned and successful businessman is also popular for owning some of the fanciest and luxurious cars in the country. He is the CEO and chairman of the Despite Group of Companies.
Source: UGC
Born on February 2, 1962, in Agona Wiamoase in the heart of the Ashanti Region, the business mogul has managed to make a name for himself. His story is a clear depiction of rags to riches as he has worked hard to become successful today. After many challenges in Ghana, he and some friends left for Lagos, Nigeria to seek greener pastures. He returned in 1983 after political tension forced him and many other refugees out of the country. Most people know him as one of the richest people in Ghana; there are other interesting facts about him unknown to most people. Grab a seat and read on.
How did Kwame Despite become rich?
The businessman started businesses that have become successful over many years.
10 quick facts you didn't know about Kwame Despite
Here are 10 facts you probably did not know about Kwame Despite:
1. He is one of the wealthiest men despite not being highly educated
The businessman has managed to amass so much wealth even though he was not highly educated.
2. He is not from a wealthy background
The great man was born in a small town near Agona in the Ashanti region. He came from a humble background and had to fend for himself while still young. Interestingly, he did not let poverty and lack of opportunity deter him from dreaming big and becoming successful.
3. He left his home country for Nigeria for greener pastures
After facing many challenges in Ghana as a young man, he and some of his friends left the country for Lagos, Nigeria, to pursue greener pastures. Unfortunately, in 1983, he and others were deported back to the country by the Nigerian government. At this point, all he had to his name was a chain-saw machine and a trident cassette player.
He decided to commence lumbering, and in the process, his chain saw got damaged. He did not give up but left for Accra and re-started his cassette selling business, which grew to become a successful music production shop.
4. He is a humble man
Source: UGC
The entrepreneur is known to be quite humble, despite all his riches. He is not an outspoken man, but during the few times he has spoken in the media, it is quite evident. The business mogul never takes credit for his wealth, but instead credits his workers.
5. The successful businessman started as a petty trader
There is no easy path to success, and true to this, Kwame has had to face challenges along the way. He started out selling music cassettes, feeding bottles, among many other items. This is a clear depiction of starting small and growing into multi-million businesses.
6. He has an honorary doctorate
He was honored with a Doctorate Degree of Human Resource on April 28, 2013, by Canterbury University in England. This was a result of his continuous and exceptional contribution to the provision of job opportunities, innovation, and promotion of the Ghanaian culture.
7. His eldest son, Kennedy Osei, is the General Manager of his conglomerate
Source: UGC
Kwame Despite son known as Kennedy Osei is the General Manager of the mogul's Group of Companies. His son holds a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Ghana, and an MS in Economics from the University of Birmingham. He is also the MD of Golden Crystal Lodge. In February this year, Kennedy tied the knot in a lavish ceremony to the love of his life, Tracy Ameyaw. Some of those in attendance included his father, mother, and Kwame Despite brother, among many others.
8. He is married
Osei Kwame Despite wife is known as Aunty Ewuruma, who is his second wife. Kennedy Osei's mother was the mogul's first wife. He has other sons with his second wife.
9. He has a fine taste for the finer things in life especially cars
The business mogul has a soft spot for not just any car, but exotic cars. Some of his car collections include the new Brabus.
10. He owns major companies which are under the Despite Group of Companies which include;
- Best Point Savings & Loans Limited
- Special Investment Company Limited
- Radio Stations – Peace FM, Okay FM, Asomdwie FM, Neat FM, and Hello FM.
- TV station – UTV
- Despite Music Production Limited
- Despite Digital Limited – Peacefmonline.com
- Neat Foods Company Limited
- Atona Foods Ltd
- Special Ice Company Limited (Water Bottling Company)
- U2 Company Limited
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How much is Kwame Despite worth?
The businessman is estimated to have a net worth of about $150 million. His wealth is a result of his multiple successful businesses across the country.
What work does Kwame Despite do?
He is the chairman of the Despite Group of Companies, which incorporates various successful businesses.
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Is Kwame Despite the richest man in Ghana?
Currently, the richest man in Ghana is Charles Ampofo. He is estimated to have a net worth of about $1.46 billion.
Kwame Despite is a respected philanthropist and businessman in Ghana. His great contribution to the country's economy is evident and admirable by many. He has proven over time that hard work, passion, and zeal is key to success.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
