Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, popularly referred to by the masses as DESPITE, is a renowned Ghanaian business mogul and philanthropist, who has made significant contributions to the business field in Ghana.
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite was born and raised in Agona Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Despite having built an impressive empire of companies across various industries. His entrepreneurial journey began in the 1980s, and since then, he has become one of the most successful and influential businesspeople in Ghana.
This article aims in giving a vivid view of how far this businessman (Dr. Osei Kwame Despite) managed to own and raise successful companies and it also throws light on their products and services, history, failures, success, achievement, contribution to the country, and his lifestyle.
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite his lifestyle and the successful journey is one of a kind and every young entrepreneur is motivated by that. Despite has been able to transform his struggling life into a life that every Ghanaian entrepreneur wishes to live.
Childhood & Early Beginnings
Despite was born on 12th February 1962. He is one of the most successful, famous, and rich men in Ghana currently.
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite’s educational background from elementary is unknown but he has been honored with a doctorate in Human Resources from Canterbury University, England.
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite Has an inspiring beginning like all other successful entrepreneurs,
He began his career as a merchant at Dunkwa-Offinso, in the central region of Ghana selling music cassettes, feeding bottles, padlocks, and other mechanized goods.
After years of struggling in Dunkwa-Offinso to make ends meet in the country, he and his friends decided to migrate to Lagos a City in Nigeria to seek greener pastures.
In the year 1983, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite came back to Ghana with his friends and other Ghanaians who migrated to Nigeria as a result of political instability. This action had a popular term “Ghana Must Go” Which means Ghanaians in Nigeria should return to their country.
Back in his country, he only had a trident cassette player and a chain-saw machine. Despite then deciding to join the timber business. unfortunately, the chainsaw was smashed by a falling tree on his first trip into the timber business which made that business unsuccessful.
He eventually moved on to sell his cassette tapes through which he was able to open Despite stores. He markets and distributes audio cassettes all over Ghana. He became successful in that business. He later diversified into other businesses Which was also successful.
The following are some businesses he established and succeeded
Companies Owned by Osei Kwame Despite
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite is the CEO of Despite groups of companies which includes: Despite media (Peace FM, Okay FM, Hello FM, UTV), Financial institution (UT Bank). U2 Mining Company, Neat foods(Neat fufu, Neat konkonte, Neat Abenkwan, neat Hausa Koko, neat dairy foods), Atona foods (This Way Chocolate Drink, This Way Motherlac, Smart Tea, This Way Coffee. SPECIAL ICE MINERAL WATER & DRINKS).
Despite Media Group
The Despite Media Group is a prominent media conglomerate in Ghana. It comprises several media outlets, including Peace FM, Okay FM, Neat FM, Hello FM, and UTV.
Despite the media has key presenters such as Abeiku Santana, Dan Kweku Yeboah, Kwame Sefa Kayi, Nana Yaa Konadu, Nana Yaw Kesseh, Ernest Brew Smith, Yaa Konamah, Halifax Addo, etc.
Peace FM
Peace FM is one of the flagship radio stations owned by Osei Kwame Despite with a frequency of 104.4 MHZ located in Accra Ghana. It was established in the year 1999 on the 25th of May at Achimota. It has become one of Ghana’s most listened-to radio stations, known for its informative news coverage, engaging talk shows, and entertaining programs. Peace FM has been instrumental in disseminating information and facilitating public discourse on various social, economic, political, and entertainment issues Such as Efie Kwanso, kokako, etc.
It was a dream of Dr. Osei Kwame Despite to air the local music throughout the country and the motive was to support the local musicians.
Hello FM, Okay FM, and Neat FM were also in other to help make the dream come through. These two radio stations are doing well. There has a good number of listeners throughout the country.
UTV, a subsidiary of the Despite Media Group, is one of the leading television stations in Ghana. It is popularly known for its local language content. It offers various content, including news, entertainment, and sports. UTV has gained a significant viewership and has played a crucial role in shaping the media landscape in Ghana.
It has an influential staff like renowned Ghanaian journalist Abeiku Santana hosting an interesting program known as “ATUU” Which most Ghanaians enjoy watching, another key staff is Ghana’s Popular comedian and actor Akrobeto hosting “THE REAL NEWS”
Then Miss Gee hosted “United Showbiz”.
It now competing with other leading TV stations like GHone, Adom TV, TV3, Joy Metro TV
Best Point Savings and Loans –
Established in [year], Best Point Savings and Loans is a financial institution that provides banking services to individuals and businesses in Ghana. The company offers various financial products, including savings accounts, loans, and investment opportunities. Best Point Savings and Loans has played a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic growth in Ghana.
Key executives include Dr. Fred Safo-Kantanka who is currently the managing director, James Okrah General Manager, Martey Ago-Mensah Head, Risk/Compliance & Internal Control, Millicent Odoi
Head Of Legal & Admin/Company Secretary, Isaac Baffour Awuah Head Of Internal Audit.
Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong is a shareholder, and Dr. Osei Kwame Despite is a shareholder.
Board directors include: Isaac Emmil Osei-Bonsu
Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong a member, Kennedy Asante Osei a member, Kwadwo Danso-Doodo a Member
Neat Foods Company Limited
Neat Foods Company Limited is a subsidiary of the Despite Group of Companies that specializes in the production and distribution of food products. The company offers a wide range of food items, including NEAT Fufu, NEAT Banku, NEAT Abenkwan, NEAT Hausa Koko, and NEAT Dairy Products.
Neat Foods has gained a reputation for its high-quality products and has become a trusted brand in the food industry.
Mining: U2 Company Limited
This company is into the production of Allied Products, Stone Quarry, Fertilizer Production, Food Processing, Cable, and Wire Manufacturing. And they also produce U2 iodized salt which is very common in the Market.
Altona Foods
This company is responsible for producing Mineral water and drinks for the people of Ghana and the outer world. Their products include This Way Chocolate Drink, This Way Motherlac, Smart Tea, and This Way Coffee. Special ice mineral water and beverages. All their products are good and Ghanaians just can’t get enough of it.
FAILURES OF OSEI KWAME DESPITE
Taking about failures, like most entrepreneurs failing is part of the game. Once you fail, it is up to you to reorganize and bounce back stronger
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite failing in several businesses but didn’t let the failure overcome his dream.
The first mission he failed was the petty trade he started at Dunkwa-Offinso which resulted in traveling to Nigeria for a better life.
He got to Nigeria but he couldn’t succeed in Nigeria as a result of political instability so he has to come back to Ghana for a fresh start
Also, his timber business failed on the first contract he was carrying out because his chain-saw was crushed by a falling tree
All these were stepping stones for his bigger breakthrough
Personal Life of Dr. Osei Kwame Despite
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite is known for his lucrative lifestyle.
He has two wives and is blessed with 9 children of which Kennedy Osei, the General Manager of Despite Group of Companies. He is the eldest among them. Kennedy is popularly known for his lavish wedding which drew the attention of the whole country.
Awards and Achievements of Osei Kwame Despite
Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Osei Kwame (Despite), has been honored with several awards which include “African Entrepreneur of The Year” at the 11th Edition of the African Achievers Awards.
The African Achievers Awards is one of Africa’s most prestigious awarding bodies which honors great African Achievers including African leaders, young achievers, community builders, and captains of industries – whose work has had a meaningful impact on building the Africa of our dreams.
He has been honored with a doctorate in human resources.
Dr. Kwame Despite fondly gives back to the community through his numerous charitable activities that promote social welfare. Some of these, noteworthy activities include;
- The construction and renovation of hospitals, for example Despite child’s ward at 37 military hospital.
- The construction and renovation of buildings for the Ghana Police Service
- An annual donation to widows in various communities
- The provision of medical support and food for the less privileged
His business is so well that they beat several to win great awards the following are some of the awards won by his business
UTV’s Heritage Ghana won the Best TV Programme in Akan and Peace FM’s flagship program ‘Kokrokoo’ was adjudged Best Morning Show (Akan).
UTV and Peace FM grabbed the Best Television Station (Akan) and Best Radio Station (Akan) respectively while Anim Addo of UTV won the Best Agric Reporter (TV).
Honorary awards were also presented to other personalities including Dr Osei Kwame Despite and Dan Kweku Yeboah of Peace FM.
The awards ceremony which was the high point of the 70th Anniversary celebrations of the GJA was on the theme, “Democracy, Freedom and Independence of the Media in Ghana.”
Awards Won At The 24th GJA Awards
- Best Television Station (Akan) – UTV
- Best Radio Station (Akan) – Peace FM
- Best Regional FM Station– Hello FM
- Best TV Programme in Akan – Heritage Ghana on UTV
- Best Morning Show (Akan) – Kokrokoo on Peace FM
The Lifestyle of Osei Kwame Despite
Despite owns fleets of cars which include Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, Rolls-Royce Sweptail, Rolls Royce Ghost, Rolls Royce Cullinan, G Wagon, Mercedes Benz S 400, Mercedes Benz Retro, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Toyota Land Cruiser, Bentle Butayaga, McLaren spider 720s, Mercedes Benz AMG 63, and many other powerful cars
He has a powerful presence in East Legon, and he is building a great castle for himself there as well. He owns several mansions. He is living his best life on earth.
Conclusion
Osei Kwame Despite’s entrepreneurial endeavors have had a significant impact on the Ghanaian business landscape. Through his companies, he has contributed to various industries, including media, mining, finance, and food production.
The Despite Media Group, with its radio and television stations, has played a vital role in informing and entertaining the Ghanaian population. Best Point Savings and Loans has provided accessible financial services, promoting economic growth and financial inclusion. Neat Foods Company Limited has become a trusted brand in the food industry, offering high-quality products.
Osei Kwame Despite’s contributions have not only created employment opportunities but also stimulated economic development in Ghana.
