SkobaCommunications

  Ghana is not new to Ponzi schemes. From the days of Noble Dream, God is Love and other similar schemes in recent times, so many people have lost their investments, and monies due to such roundly orchestrated schemes. What has even worsened the case in recent times is the speed at which these schemes run, owing to the power of social media. This has had an adverse impact on the already nagging disposable incomes of people. For instance, cases of people allegedly and reportedly losing their families, friends, relations and lives because of Ponzi schemes have been rife. Having worked in the investment banking sector for over 5 years, I can confidently say that the concept of Ponzi investments is not new to me. Over the period, I have come to understand why Ponzi schemes, however ridiculous it may sound, will always be successful. As we bid farewell to 2023, I thought I could remind all of us of the need to stay clear of any investment scheme that sounds so good to be true. By th...

  Introduction We are all used to the various Ps of Marketing. By this, I mean, Product, Place, Price, Promotion, Positioning, Promise, Physical Evidence and Purpose. Some even have many other Ps under their sleeves. In most of the marketing assessments that I do, I have always used this framework to design and set parameters for measuring the success or otherwise of any product/service I have managed. In this article, however, I share what I consider other important elements that keeps the marketing function on wheel. The 7 Ms of Marketing includes Market, Meaning Money, Men, Manual, Menu and Measure. Market: It is counterproductive to invest in any marketing endeavour without a market. Some product and service businesses are not marketable, as these businesses were set up without the proper understanding of what the client actually wants or needs. A market is both a physical and mental space. In practice, a market must be actionable, accessible, reachable, profitable and measurab...

In a typical Ghanaian setting, irrespective of the context, it is difficult for people to disagree with others without making enemies. You cannot but conform to whatever position that most people, at least those within your immediate circle, or your social subscribe to. The typical Ghanaian social system will cave you in. You had better conform if you want anybody’s support or social recognition. Do otherwise and you risk being tagged and taken on a lonely route. Healthy disagreements that could be the source of many new discoveries and breakthroughs are otherwise suppressed. This level of intolerance in Ghana dominates and permeates, every facet of our lives, including but not limited to popular social discourse on radio, television and even social media. We seem to be happy with building a people who are alike in so many ways, including the way they think, how they behave and talk. Interestingly, we want our intolerance towards others to be tolerated without question but cry foul whe...