The Group Chief Executive Officer of Chicken Republic, Kofi Abunu, says businesses have greater opportunities to expand rapidly in Nigeria than in Ghana, citing Nigeria’s larger population, more competitive business culture and lower operating costs.

According to him, Nigerians tend to be more assertive and aggressive in business, while Ghanaians generally adopt a more relaxed approach.

“Nigeria, for me, is a mix of assertiveness and aggressiveness in how we operate. Everybody's an entrepreneur in Nigeria. Everybody wants to run a business. Everybody wants to get to the next level,” he said.

Abunu explained that Nigeria’s large population provides businesses with access to a broader customer base, making it easier for companies to establish multiple outlets within a shorter period.

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“If I say I want to open 50 outlets, I'd have to plan that over five years in Ghana. I can do 50 outlets in one year in Nigeria,” he stated.

He noted that although businesses can grow successfully in Ghana, the country’s relatively smaller population limits the pace at which companies can expand across different locations.

Abunu also highlighted the high cost of doing business in Ghana, pointing to expenses such as rent, fuel, transportation, utilities, staff salaries and taxes as factors that make operations more expensive than in Nigeria.

“My rent is lower than it is in Ghana. My fuel prices are lower than it is in Ghana,” he said, explaining that higher operating costs can squeeze profit margins even when businesses record strong sales.

He further observed that Ghana’s informal food market controls a significant share of the industry. He estimated that informal operators account for about 80% of the market, leaving formal businesses to compete for a smaller share.

Despite these challenges, Abunu acknowledged Ghana’s business potential and praised the country’s relaxed culture.

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He maintained that the differences in business growth between the two countries largely reflect disparities in population size, business attitudes and operating costs.

Kofi Abunu, Group CEO of Chicken Republic, on why doing business in Nigeria is better than Ghana.

Your business can grow faster in Nigeria than Ghana due to population.

Nigeria is assertive and aggressive. Every Nigerian is an entrepreneur. While Ghanaians are very relaxed. https://t.co/VRaSTdnlJz

— Tuchel (@Officially_Kriz) October 20, 2026