Timeline of Ernest Bediako Sampong’s Life and Entrepreneurial Career

Introduction

Ernest Bediako Sampong is one of Ghana’s most successful entrepreneurs, having built Ernest Chemists Limited into one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in West Africa. 

His journey from humble beginnings to business tycoon exemplifies the power of vision, hard work and perseverance.

Timeline:

1956 – Born in Ghana

1960s – As a child, hawked medicines and other goods on the streets of Accra to gain entrepreneurial experience

1969-1975 – Attended Adisadel College for secondary education

Mid 1970s – Briefly attended University of Ghana Medical School before transferring to study pharmacy 

Late 1970s – Graduated from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with a degree in pharmacy

1980 – Married at age 24

1986 – Founded Ernest Chemists Limited, opening first retail pharmacy shop in Kaneshie, Accra

1988 – Opened second shop in Okaishie, Accra

Early 1990s – Began representing multinational pharmaceutical companies in Ghana

2001 – Established pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Tema

2004 – Started exporting products to other West African countries

2009 – Opened first foreign subsidiary in Freetown, Sierra Leone

2017 – Won several awards including CEO of the Year at Ghana Pharma Awards

2020 – Awarded Man of the Year at EMY Africa Awards

2024 – Ernest Chemists has grown to over 40 wholesale and retail branches across Ghana

Conclusion

From a single pharmacy shop in 1986, Ernest Bediako Sampong has built Ernest Chemists into a pharmaceutical powerhouse with manufacturing, distribution and retail operations across West Africa. 

His visionary leadership and business acumen have made him one of Ghana’s most respected entrepreneurs. At the same time, his humility and commitment to developing others have inspired many. 

Ernest Chemists continues to expand under the next generation of leadership, cementing Sampong’s legacy in Ghana’s business world.

References:

1. https://whoswhoghana.app/entrepreneurs/ernest-bediako-sampong/
2. The Hard Truth with Mr Ernest Bediako Sampong
3. Competition has forced my business to grow – Ernest Chemist CEO
4. Putting your head in the game and keeping it there
5. CEO of Ernest Chemists Speaks on JoySMS (17-1-19)
6. BOLA RAY INTERVIEWS OWNER OF ERNEST CHEMIST
7. Glean Insights from the Experiences of Three of the Top CEOs in Ghana on Joy Business News (23-5-18)
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Bediako_Sampong
9. https://ghanaceosummit.com/speaker/ernest-bediako-sampong/
10. https://emyafrica.com/ernest-bediako-sampong-man-of-the-year/
11. https://goodmanamc.blogspot.com/p/ernest-bediako-sampong-280-million-ceo.html
12. https://thevaultznews.com/20mobpl2d/mr-sampongs-profile/
13. https://thebftonline.com/2020/09/26/ernest-chemist-a-leader-in-a-growing-pharmaceutical-industry/