American mogul worth US$1b sets sights on Ghana

American business mogul Michael V. Roberts, who has been making strides in the world of business has now set his sights on Ghana after he’s been named; “The Economic King of Ada” of the Eastern regional part of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana.

According to an earlier post shared by American author, Dr Boyce Watkins via his Instagram on December 12, it said; “My son David and I are now part of the Diaspora Royal Family in the ADA region of Ghana. The economic King is billionaire Michael V Roberts. Our coronation is tomorrow. #DrBoyceGhana #DrBoyceAfrica”

Michael Victor Roberts, who is also an entrepreneur, shared his bit of the news via his Instagram saying; “We visited the slave castle dungeons that housed over 65% of our relatives, we were blessed by the Chief of Cape Coast Ghana, and we attended the adoption, renaming, and baptism ceremony at the Royal Ocansey healing waters. (Pictured left to right): Kendall White, Mike Roberts Jr. Mike Roberts Sr, Pastor @jamalhbryant Jamal Bryant, and Gregory Jackson.”

The billionaire who was born on October 24, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri-USA began his first business selling dashikis and other African merchandise to area bookstores.

Roberts is said to have studied law at the St. Louis University School of Law, and in 1974, he earned his J.D. degree and began Roberts-Roberts and Associates, a business and construction management firm headquartered in St. Louis, United States of America.

In 1976, Roberts worked as St. Louis’ campaign manager for President Jimmy Carter, and shortly after Carter’s election, Roberts and his brother in 1981 began the Roberts Broadcasting Station, WRBU-TV.

After establishing WRBU-TV in St. Louis, the Roberts Brothers would’ve built eleven more television stations across the country.

In 1999, the Roberts Brothers opened the first Sprint PCS-affiliated wireless store in Jefferson City, Missouri and was the only PCS-affiliated company owned by African Americans.

The Roberts Companies include a US$460 million thirty-four-company organization, with an aviation division, a gated Bahamas community and other real estate developments. Roberts however, currently serves as chairman of the board, while his brother Steven serves as president.

Year of Return Initiative

As part of marking the 400-year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans, the government of Ghana has invited many black people living in the diaspora as part of the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” initiative.

The initiative involves a year-long series of activities which include visits to heritage sites, healing ceremonies, theatre and musical performances, lectures, investment forums and relocation conferences with an aim is to promote Ghana as a tourist destination and investment centre.

In support of the initiative, President Nana Akufo-Addo said “we know of the extraordinary achievements and contributions (Africans in the diaspora) made to the lives of the Americans, and it is important that this symbolic year – 400 years later – we commemorate their existence and their sacrifices”.