Meet popular Ghanaian ‘Kooko Seller’ with a University Degree
Mr. Jonathan, a graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon, has become an inspiration to many after turning his unemployment challenge into a thriving business in Hohoe, located in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration, Mr. Jonathan faced the all-too-familiar struggle of finding a job after university. Instead of waiting endlessly for an office role, he decided to take a bold step—he ventured into the local breakfast food industry, starting with a humble ‘kooko’ (porridge) business.
What began as a small idea has now grown into a remarkable success story. Mr. Jonathan currently runs 12 branches of his kooko business in Hohoe, feeding hundreds of customers each morning and providing employment opportunities for several young people in the community.
But he didn’t stop there.
With the profits and experience gained from the kooko business, he has expanded to establish the A1 Restaurant, which serves not only breakfast but also lunch to individuals and corporate clients. The restaurant also offers food delivery services, further widening its reach and convenience for customers.
His story was brought to public attention by popular Ghanaian social media influencer and philanthropist Nana Tea, who shared a video of Mr. Jonathan’s work and impact on TikTok. In the video, Nana Tea described how Mr. Jonathan contacted him upon hearing he was in town and offered to serve him breakfast from A1 Restaurant at 7 a.m. sharp.
Nana Tea posted the video with a powerful caption, encouraging young Ghanaians not to sit at home with their certificates, waiting for nonexistent jobs:
“Meet Mr. Jonathan, a kooko seller with a degree (BSc Administration) from the University of Ghana, Legon. After school, no job so he has decided to venture into kooko and other breakfast foods business. He’s been able to open 12 branches and has employed other young ones.
He’s been able to establish A1 Restaurant out of this. He does delivery outside as well ❤️🙏 Hohoe.
This is highly, highly inspirational, please, don’t sit at home with your certificate. Start something and God will make a way for you. Be intentional about it.
As early as 7 am, we were served with hot breakfast from A1 restaurant. He contacted me that since I’m in town, he would love to host us this morning. Thanks so much CEO of A1 restaurant for the treat.”
Mr. Jonathan’s story is a timely reminder that university degrees are not the only route to success. With the right mindset, resilience, and willingness to start small, young people can build something significant and make a difference in their communities.
His journey continues to inspire not just job seekers, but also those who have started small and need the encouragement to keep going.
@nanateawashere Meet Mr Jonathan, a kooko seller with a degree (BSc. Administration )from the University of Ghana, Legon. After school, no job so he has decided to venture into kooko and other breakfast foods business. He’s been able to open 12 branches and has employed other young ones. He’s been able to establish A1 restaurant out of this. He does delivery outside as well ❤️🙏 Hohoe. This is highly, highly inspirational, please, Don’t sit at home with your certificate. Start something and God will make a way for you. Be intentional about it. As early as 7 am, we were served with hot breakfast from A1 restaurant .he contacted me that since I’m in town, he would love host us this morning. Thanks so much CEO of A1 restaurant for the treat.