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Changing gender roles: Meet ‘Papa Tilapia’ the gentleman ‘competing’ with women in fresh fish business
● Rapheal dress a tilapia
While women are being encouraged to take up responsibilities or professions considered the preserve of men, some men also seem to be making a statement by venturing into businesses which ordinarily would have been tagged as a woman’s job.
Examining how men and women are swapping roles, this reporter caught up with a budding male entrepreneur at Dansoman in Accra who has taken up the sale of fresh tilapia and continues to match women in the business boot-for boot.
JOURNEY
28-year-old Raphael Nanevi Nanavaiaa hails from Ada Foah in the Greater Accra Region and is known in his business circles as “Papa Tilapia.”
He used to help and run errands for his mother who traded at Darkuman-Kokompe market while he was still a student at Ada Senior High Technical School.
After studying Business and completing in 2019, he and his elder sister had to cater for the family after their mother’s business was razed down by fire.
Rapheal and his sister took up the challenge to revive their mother’s business. After an intensive house-to-house advertisement, he decided to run his business at Dansoman.
The journey in the last four years, according to him, had been rewarding yet rugged as he continued to receive both encouraging and disparaging comments from some members of the public.
He said some people considered his consistency and dedication to the business remarkable while others thought he was “wasting his time.”
“A man approached me and told me to use my stature for something better, and that a man like me should not be selling fish. He proposed other businesses which I did not pay attention to.
“Other business owners within the enclave where I operate have tried to sabotage me by asking the area taskforce to kick me out, but I have always handled the situation with tact and humility,” he noted.
He maintained that his calm disposition and prompt delivery continued to attract more customers to the business located at Dansoman-Asoredanho.
PATRONAGE
Apparently, the idea of selling fish did not sit well with his mother who wanted him to rather take up a white-colar job. However, he said, some of his relatives have come to terms with what he currently does to earn a living.
According to Papa Tilapia, sales in 2022 and the early part of this year, has been favourable despite the current economic challenges.
“The demand for food commodities continues to increase. Though customers complain of hike in prices, my prices are relatively lower compared with prices elsewhere.
“I communicate and relate well with my customers so my stand has become the choice for many tilapia lovers in my area.
In spite of the hurdles, Raphael is hopeful that his hustle would produce greater result in future.
“Drivers and other pedestrians encourage me to keep up the spirit and I know with determination and sacrifice, it is possible to derive the best out of this business.
“I know my strength is in business and marketing because I am able to convince customers to patronise my service. This skill of mine has earned me a lot,” he added.
Raphael used to sell sim cards before delving into the tilapia business. He admitted that his “aggressive” marketing strategy sometimes irritated customers but he had to adopt that approach especially when sales were low.
“I would call any driver or pedestrian to alert them I had fresh stock. I remember annoying a woman because I had ‘pestered’ her several times on one of my busy days.”
FUTURE
Papa Tilapia looks at becoming a well-establlished entrepreneur and a farmer in the future. He believes that Ghana has arable lands when utilised judiciously, can help reduce unemployment.
He said with the needed support, he would expand the business and employ people to deliver fresh tilapia to clients at restaurants, offices and hotels.
He advised the youth not to wait for favours but strive harder for their needs, adding that it was important for them to first discover their potentials.
“If you are waiting for someone to give you money, that person is also waiting for gift from someone. If we push harder, others would help,” he said.
By Yunusah Essandoh
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
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