“As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the pivotal role REP played in transforming my life. Growing up in a rural community, I faced numerous challenges, including limited access to financial resources. However, REP’s commitment to empowering individuals like me changed everything.” – Kweku Etiako, Owner of Kweku Etiako Fitting Workshop.
From a Modest Beginning to a Thriving Business
In 2001, a determined young man named Kweku Etiako set out to establish his own fitting workshop in Asikuma, a town in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District of Ghana’s Central Region. At the time, only a handful of mechanic shops existed in the town and its surrounding communities. Kweku, full of optimism, began his operations in a small wooden structure on the outskirts of the community.
However, his enthusiasm soon met a harsh reality. The lack of modern tools and equipment made it difficult for him to compete in the rapidly evolving auto repair industry. As technology advanced and new vehicle models emerged, Kweku struggled to keep up. Financial constraints loomed large, threatening to extinguish his dream. Faced with the possibility of abandoning his passion for a different trade, a beacon of hope arrived in the form of REP.
A New Lease on Life Through REP
“In 2005, I was introduced to REP, and that changed everything. REP’s flexible loan program gave me access to the capital I needed to reposition my workshop as a sustainable business,” Kweku recalls.
With the financial assistance from REP, he reconstructed his shop and invested in modern tools. This marked a turning point in his entrepreneurial journey. Under the guidance of Mr. Asiedu, then District Director of BAC, Kweku registered his business, formalizing his operations and opening new opportunities for growth.
But the support from REP went beyond financial aid. Kweku participated in numerous capacity-building programs and workshops designed to enhance his technical skills. These training sessions equipped him with the expertise needed to repair modern vehicles, ensuring that his workshop remained competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
“One of the most significant benefits of working with REP was the continuous training in vehicle repairs. They would either bring experts to train us in Asikuma or send us to Kumasi to learn from seasoned professionals. These experiences were invaluable,” he emphasizes.
Adapting to Change and Staying Competitive
As the automotive industry evolved, so did Kweku’s skills. The knowledge he gained from REP’s training programs enabled him to adapt to new technologies and navigate the challenges posed by digitalization.
“In fact, these training sessions, along with the provision of modern tools, helped me optimize my business operations, making me more efficient and competitive in the industry.”
Beyond technical skills, Kweku was deeply impressed by REP’s emphasis on accountability, especially regarding financial management and loan repayments. He quickly adopted these principles in his business operations.
“They emphasized the importance of repaying loans, and I witnessed firsthand how they worked with clients to ensure timely payments. I realized that responsible borrowing and accountability were key to sustaining my business,” he shares.
Many of his peers who started similar businesses without embracing these values either shut down or switched trades. However, Kweku Etiako Fitting Workshop remains one of the most vibrant and patronized auto repair businesses in Asikuma today.
Creating Employment and Building a Legacy
Today, Kweku employs five workers, all of whom are learning on the job. He hopes that they will soon graduate and establish their own businesses, further spreading the impact of REP’s intervention.
“As my business grew, so did my family. I was able to establish my own company, which has enabled me to provide for my wife and four children,” he says proudly. “In 2020, I moved my family into a two-bedroom house that I built from my earnings. My dream is for my children to take over the business and continue to make it thrive.”
While he celebrates his successes, Kweku remains aware of the evolving nature of the automotive industry. He acknowledges that there is always more to learn and hopes that REP will continue to offer guidance and support.
Looking to the Future: A Call for Innovation
“The world is changing rapidly, and so is the auto industry. I hope that REP expands its services to include training on emerging technologies such as electric cars. This would enable entrepreneurs like me to stay competitive and adapt to the future of vehicle repairs,” he concludes.
Kweku Etiako’s story is a testament to the transformative power of REP. From humble beginnings to a thriving business, his journey highlights the impact of targeted interventions in empowering rural entrepreneurs. With continuous support and innovation, REP remains a vital force in shaping the future of small businesses in Ghana.
Enterprise: Kweku Etiako Fitting Workshop
C.E.O: Kweku Etiako (a.k.a Osibo)
Location: Asikuma
