Profile
Daniel Otto takes coconut business a notch higher
Individuals are often influenced by varied inclinations toenter specific professions or take decisions which have lasting effects on their lifestyles.
Though some people have been able to get the profession of their dream and will forever remain grateful to God, others, on the contrary, have to change their original plans to settle on different professions for a living.
To Mr Daniel Otto, an unassuming gentleman who had studied Electrical Engineering at the Kpando Technical Institute, and hails from Ho- Klefe in the Volta-Region, his ardentdesire while at school was to become a Military Officer.
He intimated that the impeccable level of discipline in the military, how principled they are, time and duty consciousness and their dedication to work, were some of the qualities which had endeared him to the military profession.
As fate would have it, Daniel Otto was not successful the first occasion he applied to enlist into the military.After the failed attempt to get enlisted into the military, he secured a job at a supermarket at Madina.
“Later, Pastor WorlanyoKudzo of the Lamb Light International, Malejor, where l fellowship, toldme that he had a vision in which he saw meselling coconuts,so l should think about it,” he said.
Mr Otto who was not enthused about the revelation to sell coconuts, said his greatest wish, after notgetting into the military, was to get employed in a well-respected job.
Based on the prediction of Pastor Worlanyo, he reluctantlysecured an umbrella,ostensibly as a protection from the scotching sun,purchased2,500 pieces of coconut and hired the services of two young men to start thebusiness atAdentan, in Accra.
Unfortunately, the young men he hired to sell the coconuts for him were neither regular nor punctual at the location to do brisk business.This lackadaisical attitudecaused the coconuts to go bad after they were left unattended to for some weeks.
After the disappointment, he relocated to Malejorto sell his coconuts, but he was again disappointed as sales at this new location alsowas disappointing.
Following this second setback, he doubted the authenticity of the prophecy which ushered him into the business.Daniel, however, intimated that he was not too much disappointed since he relied on God to pave the way for him.
Challenges
In the beginning,MrDaniel Otto was confronted with many problems in selling the coconut. He said though he did not know how to peel coconut, he felt shy to do the business.Fortunately for him, he was quick to overcome the shyness and focused on how to make his job thrive.
Having gone cash trapped due to the heavy losses he had incurred, he contrived means to purchaseGH¢ 50.00 worth of coconut in sacks from Madina to sell at Malejor in a wheelbarrow.Surprisingly, sales gradually picked up after every trip to Madina to purchase coconuts.
Eager to make an impact in the business, this energetic gentleman hired a tricycle to facilitate his work. Unfortunately, the tricycle was stolen and he had to sell under an umbrella.
Since he operated from a waterlogged area, he had to wake up as early as 5.30 am, fetchsand to fill the spot where the water had gathered to guarantee a solid ground for sales to start at 6.00 am till 10.30 pm or 11.30 pm sometimes, when customers kept coming.
Daniel now orders about1, 500pieces of coconut from Swedru and sells them within three to four days.
Youth
Daniel Otto has asked the youth to be zealous in whatever they do in life and remain focused no matter the alternative suggestions others would offer.
He said they should not look down on any job and consider it unattractive or unimportant but hold on fast to whatever ideas they have about the job they would like to undertake in life.
Otto said the youth who were endowed with creative mindsand would always like to take the initiative in doing things, should be encouraged to enable them to do more.
He said there were occasions people brought contrary views in order to discourage him but he stood his grounds.
Otto asked the youth to brighten the corner where they are and make the best of all conditions no matter the constraints.
Daniel Otto who has seven siblings,is single and enjoyssinging gospel songs and reading scripture.
By Raymond Kyekye
Every morning begins the same way for Edwina Anokye-Bempah, with quiet devotion. It is her grounding ritual, a moment of reflection and gratitude before she steps into the dynamic, often unpredictable world of real estate brokerage.
By the time she arrives at the office, she has already set the tone for her day. She reviews the previous day’s tasks, checks what was accomplished and what still needs attention, and then drafts a new to-do list. For her, success is rooted in deliberate planning, discipline, and the commitment to follow through.
Today, Edwina stands out as one of Ghana’s promising real estate brokers, but she is also clear about the distinctions within her field. While many people casually use the term ‘realtor,’ she is quick to explain that only professionals registered with the National Association of Realtors can claim that title.
“Since I am not registered with the association, I am a real estate broker,” she says. It is a role she embraces wholeheartedly, facilitating transactions, connecting buyers and sellers, and ensuring clarity and integrity at every step.
Her journey into the industry took shape at MeQasa, an online platform dedicated solely to real estate. The platform exposed her to developers, agents, and the complexities of property transactions. She worked closely with developers and observed one recurring problem: clients often complained about agents who failed to respond, follow up, or provide accurate information.
With her background in sales and marketing, Edwina felt naturally drawn to the field. It was an industry where she believed she could make a meaningful, positive impact. Real estate, she came to learn, is far more than brick and mortar. It is about helping people secure one of the most important investments of their lives. This understanding shapes every decision she makes.
One of the most challenging tasks in her work is qualifying clients.
“A serious buyer must be willing, ready and able,” she explains. When one of these three qualities is missing, the transaction is likely to stall or collapse entirely.
On the seller’s side, due diligence is equally critical. Ownership disputes, land fraud, and unclear documentation remain some of the biggest risks in Ghana’s real estate sector.
Edwina understands the weight of the responsibility she carries. “The money involved is huge. These are people’s lifetime savings. Most people buy one home or maybe two in their entire lives. You cannot afford to make a mistake.”
Working in what many describe as a male-dominated field has never intimidated her. With an MBA in Marketing and extensive experience in sales roles including a stint as an Account Manager in an advertising agency, she has grown comfortable handling clients, negotiating deals, and presenting herself with confidence.
“My gender has never discouraged me,” she says. “What matters is hard work and ensuring that the client’s needs were met.”
The only occasional challenge, she admits, was maintaining professional boundaries when some men attempt to be overly familiar. Her solution is simple: stay professional and do not over-familiarise yourself with clients.
Her educational journey started in Kumasi, followed by Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School, where she studied Agricultural Science. She continued the same at the University of Ghana before pursuing her master’s degree. After university, she worked on her uncle’s poultry farm before moving into advertising. Later, her role at MeQasa finally opened the door to the career she had long been unknowingly preparing for.
Over the years, Edwina has built a reputation not only for competence but also for care. She recalls one client in particular, an older man relocating to Ghana with no family in the country. After helping him secure two homes, she became the closest person he could rely on. One evening at around 8 p.m., he called to say he felt unwell. Without hesitation, she drove to his home and rushed him to the hospital. Doctors later told her that any delay could have been fatal.
For Edwina, that moment affirmed that the job goes far beyond selling property. “It doesn’t end with the sale,” she says. “You have to look out for people.”
Her influence also extends to younger people observing her journey. She is known for her tenacity, her refusal to give up on clients or tasks, and her resilience in the face of challenges. Those who work around her learn to push forward regardless of setbacks.
“If a deal doesn’t go as expected, you don’t look back. You find a way.”
Beyond real estate, Edwina serves as an interpreter in her church, a role that dramatically boosted her confidence. What began with trembling legs has evolved into a boldness that reflects in her public speaking and client interactions. She credits her growth to God, her senior pastor, her mother, siblings, friends, and her dedicated team — “an amazing circle,” she calls them.
Today, she is also a partner in a showroom business dealing in vanity units, sanitary wares, and tiles, an extension of her real estate insight and experience.
For young people aspiring to join the industry, her advice is clear: “Learn the industry beyond selling. Understand transactions, build strong relationships, and always do your due diligence.”
For Edwina Anokye-Bempah, real estate is more than business; it is trust, service, and impact, one client at a time.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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From the age of five, Daniel Nana Kwesi Kakra Debrah has lived a life surrounded by rhythm, harmony, and the quiet pulse of music. Growing up in a home where instruments filled corners and rehearsals were as normal as conversation, Daniel’s first teachers were not in formal classrooms—they were the sounds, movements, and discipline he absorbed from his father, a committed church musician.
Ironically, music was not Daniel’s first dream. Like many young boys, he once hoped to become a professional footballer. But an injury from a school match left him unable to walk for three months, forcing him to retire that ambition. What seemed like a tragedy at the time became the turning point that aligned him with the path he was always meant to follow.
Daniel’s earliest musical expression began in church. As a boy in Sunday School, he eagerly ‘pounded’ the drums, quickly becoming known as the child who never missed an opportunity to play. Even in Senior High School (SHS), although many of his classmates were unaware of his talent, he continued practising quietly until completing school in 2005.
After SHS, Daniel joined a church music class with the intention of growing as a drummer, but one moment changed everything. Watching a bass guitarist perform stirred something in him. Drawn to the deep, steady tones of the bass, he persuaded a friend to teach him the basics. With no instrument of his own, Daniel practised at home using a broken guitar for more than eight months.
Then destiny intervened. The church’s lead bassist was suddenly suspended, and Daniel stepped in voluntarily during an evening service. That temporary voluntary act became permanent as he was asked by the then Music Director to fill in the gap. From that point, he embraced the bass guitar fully—a decision that defined the rest of his life.
Around 2006, Daniel made a life-changing decision to take his craft seriously. He began practising for hours on end, sometimes up to eight hours a day, often without food, locked away from family and friends, perfecting techniques and expanding his creativity. While others assumed he was outdoors socialising, Daniel was indoors sharpening his gift.
His breakthrough came in 2007 when he performed in the TV3 Bands Alive competition. The exposure, applause, and feedback confirmed his dream: “music was not just a passion; it was his calling,” he said.
With time, Daniel moved confidently into the professional space. He performed at studio sessions, live concerts, weddings, church events, and high-profile national programmes. His talent, discipline, and reliability earned him a reputation that continues to attract respected gospel artistes.
Today, he works closely with Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Chris Apau, and Israel Ofori, who have been of immense help to his career ministry. He also collaborates with several ministries and offers support with musical arrangements, live performances, and studio recordings.
Beyond the stage, Daniel sees himself as a mentor. Many young musicians reach out to him, some visiting in person, others calling for guidance. Whether through hands-on training or virtual coaching, he is always ready to teach. For Daniel, music is not just technique; it is character, discipline, and values. He believes a musician must carry integrity both on and off stage.
Like many musicians in Ghana, Daniel has faced challenges with delayed payments and broken agreements. These experiences have taught him to value professionalism. He now insists on part payment upfront and charges more for his services, a decision grounded in self-respect and fairness.
Daniel’s journey in music has been shaped by various individuals who have supported him at different stages of his career. He acknowledged Opoku Agyeman Sanaa, Kofi Ennin, Andrew Klu, Mr. Samuel Abbey, Mr. Samuel Sarpong Agyei, Paul Quartey, Mr. Nene Emmanuel, and Mr. Isaac Asiedu, saying that their belief in him continues to inspire his journey.
Daniel’s work is guided by his Christian faith. He sees music as ministry, not merely entertainment. Off stage, he is a devoted family man—a husband and father of two, a boy and a girl, who have also started playing musical instruments. During his leisure time, he listens to music, or plays football and action video games.
Through his acts of service and unwavering determination, Daniel continues to inspire others, proving that when passion meets integrity, ordinary men impact the lives of others.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
