Nana Owusu-Achau | Chief Farmer | AgroKings Limited
Nana Owusu-Achau is the Chief Farmer at AgroKings Limited, a pioneering social enterprise revolutionizing the agricultural landscape through sustainable practices and innovative agriprocessing solutions. AgroKings aims to transform lives by empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth, ensuring food security for future generations, and harnessing technology to drive progress. As a leading producer and processor, AgroKings takes pride in offering Ghana’s finest local rice brand, Nana’s Rice, alongside a diverse range of value-added products, including Ceresoya, Nana’s Chilli Sauces, Nana’s Chilli Spices and Marinade, and Chichi’s Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato products.
Nana’s journey to becoming a corporate leader has been diverse and enriching, with over a decade of experience spanning Real Estate, Agriculture, Technology, Education, and Sports. After relocating to Ghana, he was driven by a keen interest in contributing to his country’s development. While working on a Real Estate project in 2018, he encountered local rice grown by smallholder farmers. Impressed by its quality, Nana saw an opportunity to support these farmers by providing training, access to capital, and market opportunities. This led to the founding of AgroKings, which now owns 10,000 acres of farmland and continues to support smallholder farmers in producing quality rice.
“By fostering inclusivity and gender equality, we aim to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.”
Nana is motivated by the prospect of harnessing Ghana’s vast resources to transform lives and contribute meaningfully to the progress of his country and Africa. He is passionate about showcasing the richness and diversity of Ghanaian culture, resources, and the talent and resilience of its people, aiming to foster a brighter future for all.
Success, for Nana, is measured by empowering people to live fulfilled lives. This includes fair compensation, training programs for personal growth, scholarships for staff and their children, and opportunities for travel and exposure. When individuals who have worked with him feel inspired to achieve more and can see their progress both in life and at work, Nana considers it a success.
A significant achievement that Nana is particularly proud of is the impact AgroKings has had on people’s lives. The organization supports a network of over 300 smallholder farmers, is training over 1,300 farmers this year, and employs more than 300 individuals directly. AgroKings’ business model, centered around empowering youth in agriculture, driving national development through agricultural enclaves, and promoting import substitution, is designed to be sustainable and profitable. This structure not only yields economic benefits but also represents a powerful engine for positive change, demonstrating that business can be a force for good.
Nana Owusu-Achau is steadfast in his commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within AgroKings. The company’s leadership team reflects this dedication, with women comprising over 70% of the overall management and more than 60% of the core farm management team. Nana is passionate about empowering women in agriculture, challenging traditional gender norms through targeted training programs. The annual Women in the Driving Seat (WiDS) initiative is a flagship example, equipping women with skills in farm tractor operation, drone piloting, and MS Excel tools, thereby bridging the gender gap in a historically male-dominated field. By fostering inclusivity and gender equality, Nana aims to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
When it comes to facing challenges and setbacks, Nana adopts a resilient and solution-focused approach. He understands that obstacles are a natural part of the business journey. When confronted with a hurdle, Nana carefully identifies the root causes, seeks valuable insights from his team, and collaboratively develops innovative solutions. Rather than dwelling on setbacks, he views them as opportunities for growth and learning, distilling valuable lessons to inform future strategies. By separating facts from emotions and engaging his team in the problem-solving process, Nana transforms challenges into stepping stones for success.
To foster innovation and creativity within AgroKings, Nana recognizes that exposure is a crucial catalyst. He nurtures the unique talents and strengths of each team member, encouraging them to showcase their creative potential to the fullest. Innovation and creativity are celebrated through public recognition and financial support, reinforcing their value. The company’s open and collaborative culture encourages the sharing of ideas and insights, providing platforms for team members to contribute and grow. Continuous learning and development are prioritized to ensure the team stays ahead of industry trends. By embracing creativity and innovation, AgroKings drives growth and excellence in all aspects of the organization.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that will continue to inspire, empower, and enrich lives long after we’re gone.”
Nana recalls a pivotal moment in AgroKings’ history when he had to make a tough financial decision. On a day dubbed “Grey Friday,” he convened a meeting to present the team with a difficult choice: either receive an advance on their salary for the next month and seek alternative employment or risk going without pay for three months. This decision would enable the company to invest in their 70-acre rice farm, with the hope of generating sufficient revenue from the harvest to resume salary payments. Nana knew this choice might lead to the loss of some valued team members but was left with no other option. It was a challenging moment that ultimately defined the company’s resilience and commitment to their vision.
Balancing the needs of stakeholders, employees, and the community involves continuous engagement through active listening, transparent communication, and making decisions that align with AgroKings’ core values. Nana prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains, ensuring that the company’s actions benefit the broader community.
For aspiring black corporate leaders looking to advance in their careers, Nana offers this advice: “You have a lot to offer the world, and acknowledging that is the beginning of the transformation of our communities and that of future generations. Let posterity smile on our time knowing that we laid a good foundation for them. Let’s be driven by more than ourselves—to the ends of the world we go!”
Nana Owusu-Achau maintains work-life balance and prevents burnout by recognizing that God’s grace guides him in managing the diverse aspects of his life. Practically, he prioritizes delegation and empowerment, entrusting his team with meaningful responsibilities to foster growth and development. In 2024, Nana made significant strides in his personal well-being by adopting a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine. He also recognizes the importance of self-care, taking quarterly breaks with at least two days to recharge and refocus. By intentionally prioritizing his physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, Nana is better equipped to lead and serve with purpose and passion.
Mentorship and professional development play a crucial role in Nana’s leadership journey, providing invaluable wisdom, guidance, and support. He proactively seeks out mentorship opportunities and pays it forward by mentoring others, cultivating a culture of growth and development that benefits both himself and his team. By embracing mentorship as a reciprocal process, Nana continues to learn and grow while empowering others to do the same, fostering a legacy of leadership and excellence.
To stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to his field, Nana relies on regular news updates, continuous reading, and travel to expand his knowledge and gain insights from others. By embracing a culture of lifelong learning, he remains curious and open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, allowing him to stay adaptable and informed in an ever-changing world.
“When we build people, we build greatness.”
Nana’s leadership principle or philosophy that guides his approach to decision-making is encapsulated in the phrase, “Hard things are hard.” He believes that building something truly great requires unwavering commitment, intentionality, and hard work. Nana has realized that the key to achieving greatness lies not in mere task management but in investing in the growth and well-being of his team members as individuals. By prioritizing their development, supporting their unique strengths, and genuinely caring for their welfare beyond their job descriptions, he believes a foundation for excellence can be created that will endure. “When we build people, we build greatness,” he says.
Looking ahead, Nana’s goals and aspirations as a corporate leader in the coming years include cultivating a legacy of high-achieving individuals who will leave a lasting impact that transcends their lifetime. He aims to create a global footprint by developing innovative products and solutions and nurturing talented individuals from the center of the world to its ends. The ultimate goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that will continue to inspire, empower, and enrich lives long after they are gone, leaving a lasting testament to their dedication, passion, and perseverance.