Nana Afia Agyeiwaah Boachie Tsikata is the CEO of Bacnof School, a reputable institution located in both Obuasi and Accra. The school, which she founded in 2007, is a testament to her passion for education and her dedication to providing quality learning experiences.
A trained teacher by profession, Nana’s journey into establishing a school stemmed from a combination of circumstances and her deep-rooted commitment to education. When her husband, a pastor, was transferred to Obuasi, Nana found herself in a situation where she was overqualified for teaching positions available in the area’s private schools. This prompted her to consider creating her own educational venture.
The initial stages were challenging, with Nana’s infant son becoming the first student of Bacnof School in Obuasi. Despite the slow start, Nana’s perseverance and strategic initiatives gradually increased the school’s enrollment. One notable move was introducing a daycare service for babies aged 3 months to one year, making Bacnof the first school in Obuasi to offer such comprehensive early childhood care.
One of the hurdles Nana faced was the skepticism of parents about entrusting their children to a new school. To address this, she embarked on a marketing campaign involving radio advertisements, posters, and newspaper adverts. However, it was positive word of mouth from satisfied parents that truly bolstered Bacnof’s reputation and attracted more students.
Managing a private school in Ghana comes with its share of challenges, including high operational costs, government statutory bills, and fluctuating enrollments. Nana highlighted the difficulty in retaining staff, as many prefer the perceived job security of public sector employment. Despite these challenges, Nana’s leadership and strategic management have steered Bacnof School towards success.
To further expand Bacnof’s reach and impact, Nana opened a branch in Accra to accommodate parents who relocated and expressed interest in the school. She emphasized the importance of efficient structures and monitoring systems to oversee both branches effectively.
Looking ahead, Nana envisions Bacnof School expanding nationwide and offering franchise opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs. The first franchise is set to launch in Kasoa, marking a significant milestone in Bacnof’s journey towards becoming a leading educational brand in Ghana.
Bacnof School in Obuasi currently serves nearly 400 students and employs a dedicated team of thirty teaching and non-teaching staff members, reflecting Nana’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant learning community.
