Mr. Francis Kojo Poku, affectionately known as “Poku Transport” and called “F.K.” by his children, was a visionary entrepreneur whose industrial pursuits and philanthropy helped shape the business landscape of Kumasi and beyond.
Born on September 16, 1919, in Kejetia, Kumasi, to the late Kejetia Poku and Madam Ama Amoakowaa of Kwabre-Hemang, F.K.’s legacy stands as a testament to entrepreneurial grit, innovation, and dedication to community development.
Humble Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit
F.K. began his educational journey at Government Boys School in Kumasi before attending Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast in 1937. However, his true calling lay outside formal education. In 1938, he entered private business, starting with selling over-the-counter drugs in the Kwabre District. His determination saw him travel from village to village with suitcases filled with medicines, reaching as far as Wassa Akropong, where he opened a small drug store.
With his tireless efforts, Mr. Poku expanded his business, establishing a larger store in Bogoso in 1941. From there, his ventures blossomed. By 1942, he had begun diversifying into general merchandise, securing goods from prominent suppliers such as U.A.C. and G.B. Olivant in Tarkwa. His ability to recognize and seize opportunities led to his first major transportation contract, where he supplied railway sleepers to the Forestry Department. This contract marked the beginning of a successful transport empire.
Building the Poku Transport Empire
F.K.’s transportation business grew rapidly. With his first secondhand Bedford vehicle, he began carting goods from Tarkwa to Bogoso, eventually becoming a government courier.
His reliability and business acumen earned him a permit from the Gold Coast government to purchase two Ford vehicles, enabling him to further expand his operations throughout the Western Region. His move to Kumasi in 1946, following his father’s funeral, was a pivotal moment. Sensing the city’s growing potential, F.K. established his transport yard at Ashanti New Town and, later, Suame.
By 1951, Mr. Poku had formally registered his businesses under the name “Poku Transport and Stores.” His ventures grew to include timber supply, and in 1956, he expanded into sawmilling, forming “Poku Transport and Sawmill Ltd.” This move solidified his position as a key industrial player in Ashanti, providing employment to hundreds in Kumasi’s Oforikrom industrial area.
Pioneering Haulage and Manufacturing
In 1967, F.K. broke new ground by venturing into petroleum transport. Mobil Oil Ltd tasked him with hauling petrol from Tema to Kumasi. His commission of two 5,000 IG tankers marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s transport industry, as he became the first to operate such tankers on Ghanaian roads. F.K. also established an export company in 1974, exporting furniture and lumber products internationally, and in 1976, he launched Poku Transport Veneer and Plywood to manufacture high-quality plywood and veneer.
Despite facing political persecution, which forced him into exile in Ivory Coast in 1979, Mr. Poku’s business instincts remained sharp. He founded SVTII, a thriving transport and trading company in Abidjan, which hauled goods across West Africa. He even introduced Becks Beer to Abidjan, a testament to his innovative approach to business.
Social Contributions and Philanthropy
Beyond his business accomplishments, F.K. was a dedicated philanthropist. His success enabled him to make significant contributions to education and healthcare in Ghana. He established the “Poku Transport Endowment Fund” at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University for Development Studies (UDS), providing scholarships to outstanding students. In 1997, he founded the Poku Transport Children’s Hospital in Kumasi, helping to address the region’s healthcare needs.
F.K.’s influence extended into the banking sector, where in 1972, he became the second Ghanaian to serve as a director of Standard Bank Ltd (now Standard Chartered Bank), a position he held for 25 years.
Devout Catholic and Community Leader
A devout Catholic, Mr. Poku’s faith was central to his life. He was a founding member of the Parochial Council at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Kumasi and made numerous contributions to the Catholic Church. He laid the foundation stones of Corpus Christi Catholic Church at Kurofrom and St. Paul’s Cathedral at Amakom, further cementing his legacy in the Ashanti Region.
Legacy and Conclusion
F.K.’s contributions to industry, transport, and social welfare in Ghana are unmatched. His 18 children continue his legacy, leading companies in cocoa processing, media, construction, and more. He passed away peacefully in October 2002, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped Kumasi’s industrial and economic landscape.
Through his entrepreneurial foresight, relentless work ethic, and commitment to community service, Mr. Francis Kojo Poku—”Poku Transport”—remains one of Ashanti’s greatest industrialists, whose impact continues to resonate across generations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Kwabena Nsafoah
