The children of the late John Maxwell Addo, founder of JM Addo & Sons Ltd, pay tribute to a remarkable life. On what would have been his 98th birthday, they remember his journey from humble beginnings to building one of Ghana’s leading family businesses.
Today, is the birthday of the Late John Maxwell Addo, aka JM Addo, Founder of JM Addo & Sons Ltd. It is a good day to tell the story of this Colossus, to all who have ears to listen… and to all who value pearls of wisdom… Wisdom beyond the value of money.
The story of JM Addo must be printed in the annals of the history of JM Addo and Sons Ltd. Why? Because, his life was exemplary and rich in Philosophy, Vision, Purpose, Risk, Balance; Relationship, Finance, Relentlessness, Shrewdness, Fun, Humour; Family, Adventure; you name it. His legacy, after his death; continues to be exemplary and rich in continuity, harmony, family, vision, purpose, balance, financial prudence, relentlessness…. you name it.
The story must be told to the generations here today, and the generations yet unborn, that a great kinsman was born on July 19th 1927 at Begoro in the Eastern Region, to Nana Kwawkwa Ayefi Addo and Selina Ama Ofosua all of blessed memory.
At a very early age, Kwabena, as he was affectionately called, left Begoro with his father to start school at Nankese, a village near Suhum and later Effiduase-New Juaben where he lived with his father till age 12. At age 13, his father relocated to Awukugua, their hometown, and Kwabena started standard three at Akutrum United Primary School some two and a half miles from Awukugua. He covered this distance daily on foot, and was undeterred by his frequent dismissals from school due to his father’s inability to pay his fees. Kwabena engaged in menial jobs to raise funds for his education.
At age 15, his paternal uncle, the late Opaniv Obuobi, a driver and transport owner in Suhum came to his rescue and sent him to Suhum to be enrolled in Standard Four at Suhum English Church Mission School. Kwabena did so well at school and so excelled in his exams at Standard Seven that he was invited to write the entry examination at Accra Academy. As twisted as fate could be sometimes, there was no money for Kwabena to proceed to Accra Academy even though he passed the entry examination. It is no wonder that six of his sons were educated at Accra Academy.
Undeterred by his inability to pursue regular education, Kwabena registered as a private candidate, took the O’ Level examinations and excelled. He did not stop there, but studied privately to pass City & Guilds examinations in Economics, Book keeping and Accounting. He also pursued and obtained a diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, London.
Early Career
At age 19, Kwabena started his career as a store assistant. A few months after, he accepted to offer at GB Olivant where he worked as a Clerk handling supplies of maize and gari. This job got him transferred to Koforidua where he lived for many years. His knack for identifying opportunities and his shrewd business sense, took him to UK, Holland, France and Germany where he networked with many overseas partners notable amongst them being Johnson Matthew – UK based precious metal manufacturing dealer.
At age 35, Kwabena set up his first business – JM Addo & Sons, (General Merchants) which metamorphosed into a vibrant pharmaceuticals company currently holding a number of franchise including Borges Olive Oil, Wormplex 400. He explored several business opportunities from leather production, to bakery, to real estate. He became distributer for Unilever Ghana Ltd, Guinness Ghana Ltd, Achimota Brewery, GIHOC Distilleries, Bells, UK and won numerous awards.
JM Addo was also a successful family man; an extraordinary philanthropist, a great entertainer at party host. His name rings strongly and daily in every family gathering, even though he’s gone to rest over a decade ago. There is no family gathering that the stories of JM Addo are not told, cracking ribs of all who heard in laughter and mirth. The birth of this legend is a legacy, and the story of his Resilience, Mastership, Strength, Achievements and Philosophies shall be told in fond memories, to the generations for emulation.
Were he to be alive today, JM Addo would be 98 years old. He’s gone, but not forgotten. In our hearts and in our lives, he lives on.
In this world, if you trade your conscience for money, then you are the most worthless of all beings – JM Addo quote.