Time and time again, several of our Ghanaian creative industry players like Van Vicker, have shown the need to have a plan B as they create new ventures for multiple streams of income, create jobs for the unemployed, and help in economic growth.
Small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs are some of the most important influencers of economic growth because, in any economy, they represent more than 90% of all employers and create 60 to 80% of all new jobs, annually.
However, in 2020, the unemployment rate in Ghana was at approximately 4.51 percent of the total labor force, also according to a report by the World Bank, Ghana is faced with 12% youth unemployment and more than 50% underemployment, both higher than overall unemployment rates in Sub-Saharan African countries. Despite major investments by both government and private sector, this challenge will intensify if job opportunities remain limited.
Per the statistics given, this puts to bare the need for more and more small businesses as their importance can’t be overlooked since it looks at tackling unemployment, economic growth, and even poverty.
It is safe to say that it is in this light, that the likes of Actor turned politician John Dumelo, actress Luckie Lawson, Salma Mumin, rapper Reggie Rockstone, Sarkodie, and Shatta Wale, are just but a few to mention industry players who have ventured into entrepreneurship.
Now the latest Ghanaian actor to join the list of Ghanaian celebrities who are entrepreneurs and creating jobs in Accra is Van Vicker.
This follows the successful launch and opening of ‘VantasticGrill’, a new restaurant located at Spintex Accra, which is owned by the actor. Colleagues like Adjetey Anang, Eddie Nartey were all present at the launch.
According to some players in the film industry, the Ghanaian movie industry is in a coma, as the business of making films is no more booming like it used to be some years back. It, therefore, comes as no surprise to see actors venturing into other businesses.
Van Vicker, took to social media to share photos from the launch to announce his new business and appreciate his colleagues who showed up to support him at the launch and opening of ‘Vantastic Grill’.
Maybe, for him, it is just another source of income, but this great initiative by Van Vicker is going to tackle one of the most important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Goal 8 of the SDG looks at Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all and one may ask how Van Vicker’s new eatery is going to do that.
For what it’s worth, Van Vicker can not be a one-man Island and run his restaurant alone. He will need to employ people to run the business with him, right down from managers to security men, and this is adding to the quota of lifting the weight of unemployment off the shoulders of the government. Even if he is going to use his family members to run the business, it is still curbing the rate of unemployment in Ghana.
Speaking of Economic growth, we have come to understand in the early part of this article that, small business is the drive of economic growth in a country. Van’s business, being an eatery is going to pay taxes to the government, which will then help the economic growth of the country, aside from bringing about development.
Hopefully, with desire, discipline, and determination, Van’s business will be able to stand through the hard times and expand to other parts of the country to continue the good course it has just started.
Read also: VAN VICKER LAMENTS ENTERTAINERS ARE “SERIOUS PEOPLE”
