Everyday People: Central University graduate ditches degree to sell beads

One might wonder why a parent would spend money on a child's education from basic through junior high, senior high, and on to tertiary, only for that child to venture into a field far from what they studied in school.

This is precisely the story of Richard Hammond, who graduated from the Central University of Ghana. Yet, despite earning his degree, he chose to pursue a different path: making and selling beads in the market.

He appeared on GhanaWeb's 'Everyday People' program to discuss his decision to set aside his academic qualifications.

Richard's affinity for beads-making began back in 2011, during his time at the university with his now-wife, who was his partner at the time.

She initiated the craft, creating and selling beads to their peers. Inspired by her work, Richard developed a keen interest and decided to fully dedicate himself to the art of beads-making.

He said, “After my degree at Central University, we did a lot of entrepreneurship, but before then, my wife was into it in a small way. So after the degree course, I said no, why don’t we find some facility and increase the whole production?”

When asked why he chose not to pursue his field of study but instead decided to make beads, Richard explained that his passion lies in entrepreneurship.

After conducting some research, he realized that creating and selling beads was the business venture he wanted to embark on.

“Naturally, I’m the business type. So after knowing how to go for credit and all those things, I thought it wise that why don’t I use that knowledge in business to be able to succeed in life. So that’s how I encouraged my wife that we should find some facility and then go into this business full time,” he told GhanaWeb’s Victoria Kyei Baffour.

Watch the full interview below:





VKB/OGB