Ghanaian entrepreneur Joey Kusi Antwi has reportedly built a £15 million business in the United Kingdom after turning a part-time job at McDonald’s into ownership of three restaurants employing nearly 300 people.

Antwi’s journey from working in customer service to becoming a franchise owner highlights how education, professional experience and entrepreneurial ambition can combine to create business opportunities.

He moved from Ghana to the UK at the age of 22 to pursue a master’s degree in finance, reportedly after graduating as a university valedictorian and securing a scholarship.

While studying, he took a part-time job at McDonald’s to support himself financially. His responsibilities included serving customers and performing routine restaurant duties.

At the time, the job was primarily a means of meeting his immediate financial needs. However, it would later become the starting point of his journey into business ownership.

After completing his studies, Antwi moved into the corporate sector, gaining experience in finance and management consulting, including work associated with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Accenture.

His time in the corporate world exposed him to financial decision-making, business operations and organisational management.

Despite this experience, he eventually chose a different path, venturing into entrepreneurship instead of remaining in conventional employment.

From healthcare to McDonald’s franchise ownership /

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in Antwi’s career. He established a healthcare business which, according to publicly shared accounts, generated capital that helped him pursue his ambition of owning McDonald’s restaurants.

Becoming a franchisee required more than financial resources. Antwi underwent an intensive training programme before securing his first restaurant.

He subsequently expanded his operations to three McDonald’s locations in the UK.

The restaurants reportedly generate more than £15 million in combined annual turnover and employ nearly 300 people.

The £15 million figure represents reported business revenue, not Antwi’s personal earnings or profit. The figures have not been independently verified through company accounts.

Lessons from his entrepreneurial journey

Antwi’s experience illustrates how a career can evolve from employment to business ownership through strategic decisions and investment.

His background in finance and management consulting, alongside his healthcare venture, provided different experiences that reportedly contributed to his transition into franchise ownership.

For aspiring Ghanaian entrepreneurs, particularly those living abroad, his story highlights the importance of developing professional skills, building capital and identifying opportunities beyond traditional career paths.

From taking a part-time job to pay his bills to overseeing three restaurants and hundreds of employees, Antwi’s journey demonstrates how an initial source of income can become the foundation of a much larger business ambition.

His story also underscores the responsibilities that accompany entrepreneurship, including managing employees, maintaining business operations and taking financial risks.

NA/VPO

Guns and Drugs: Dr Adam Bonaa Warns of Growing Security Threat to Ghana