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Discover why succession planning matters in Ghana. Lessons from Apostle Safo Kantanka, Ernest Chemists, Nyaho Clinic, and global brands on building lasting legacies.
Why This Conversation Matters
Imagine waking up tomorrow to find that Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, Ghana’s celebrated innovator, is no more. Would his vision of African-made cars and technologies continue? Or would it fade into history, like so many African businesses that disappeared after their founders passed away?
Succession planning is one of the most neglected aspects of business in Africa. While global brands like Coca-Cola, Ford, and KFC continue to thrive decades after their founders died, many Ghanaian and African-owned businesses collapse within a generation.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
Why succession planning matters
- Case studies of Ghanaian and African businesses.
- What lessons we can learn from Apostle Safo Kantanka.
- Practical steps for African entrepreneurs to secure their legacy.
What is Succession Planning?
Succession planning is the process of preparing for leadership transfer in a business or organization. It involves:
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Identifying and grooming future leaders.
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Documenting business processes and vision.
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Protecting assets legally.
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Ensuring continuity when the founder steps aside or passes away.
According to PwC’s Family Business Survey, only 30% of family businesses survive beyond the first generation, and less than 12% make it to the third.
The African Reality: Why Businesses Collapse
In Africa, several cultural and structural issues contribute to business collapse:
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Founder Dependency – Businesses revolve around the personality of the founder.
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Lack of Documentation – Processes remain in the founder’s head.
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Family Conflicts – Inheritance disputes tear businesses apart.
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No Long-Term Vision – Many businesses plan for survival, not generational growth.
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Weak Legal Framework – Lack of wills, shareholder agreements, and IP protection.
Case Study 1: Apostle Safo Kantanka
Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka is more than an inventor; he is a symbol of African innovation. From locally manufactured cars to solar-powered technologies, his contributions are remarkable. But the question remains:
👉 When Apostle Safo is no longer here, will his legacy thrive?
What Kantanka Has Done Right:
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Built a brand identity around innovation.
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Created institutions (Kantanka Automobile, Great KOSA Institute).
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Involved family and loyal followers in operations.
The Risks Ahead:
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If the vision is not well-documented and shared, successors may lack direction.
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Without proper succession structures, internal conflicts may arise.
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Global competition may overshadow his legacy.
Case Study 2: Ernest Chemists Ltd
One of Ghana’s largest pharmaceutical companies, Ernest Chemists, successfully implemented succession planning. Founder Ernest Bediako Sampong has structured leadership and built strong systems. This ensures continuity even after his time.
Case Study 3: Nyaho Medical Centre
Founded by the late Dr. Kwami Nyaho Tamakloe, Nyaho Medical Centre has grown stronger under family leadership and professional managers. By separating ownership from day-to-day management, they preserved the founder’s vision while allowing modernization.
Lessons from Global Brands
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Ford Motor Company (founded in 1903) still thrives over 120 years later.
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KFC lives on globally, despite the death of Colonel Sanders in 1980.
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Coca-Cola has survived multiple generations with strong brand identity and systems.
The difference is systematic succession planning.
A Practical Framework for African Entrepreneurs
Here’s a 5-Step Succession Model for Ghanaian and African businesses:
1. Vision Transfer
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Document your company’s mission, values, and goals.
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Write a founder’s manual: “This is why I started, and this is where I want it to go.”
2. Leadership Training
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Identify potential successors early.
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Train children, relatives, or trusted managers in business skills.
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Encourage mentorship programs.
3. Governance & Structures
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Form boards of directors/advisors.
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Create standard operating procedures (SOPs).
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Introduce accountability systems.
4. Legal Security
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Draft wills, trusts, or shareholder agreements.
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Register intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights).
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Clearly define ownership and shares.
5. Long-Term Growth
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Think beyond the founder.
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Explore mergers, partnerships, and franchising.
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Innovate continually to stay relevant.
Cultural Barriers to Succession in Africa
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“My children will take over” mindset – not all children are interested or capable.
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Taboo around discussing death – many founders avoid the subject.
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Distrust of outsiders – reluctance to involve professional managers.
Breaking these barriers requires mindset change.
Beyond Business: The Legacy of Impact
Succession planning is not just about money. It is about:
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Preserving jobs for employees.
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Protecting national pride (e.g., Kantanka’s inventions as a Ghanaian achievement).
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Ensuring generational wealth for families.
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Contributing to Africa’s development by reducing dependency on foreign brands.
FAQs About Succession Planning
Q1: What is succession planning in business?
Succession planning is preparing future leaders to ensure business continuity when the founder steps aside or passes away.
Q2: Why do Ghanaian businesses collapse after the founder dies?
Most lack documented systems, legal structures, and trained successors. Family disputes also play a role.
Q3: What can African entrepreneurs learn from Apostle Safo Kantanka?
They can learn the importance of innovation, brand-building, and grooming the next generation to carry the vision forward.
Q4: What steps should I take to secure my business legacy?
Document your vision, train successors, establish legal frameworks, and create governance structures.
African businesses must rise beyond “founder-led” survival. With proper succession planning, our companies can thrive for centuries like Coca-Cola, Ford, and KFC.
✅ What do you think? Will Kantanka’s legacy live on 50 years from now?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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