Bernice Dapaah

Bernice Dapaah is a Ghanaian social entrepreneur who is the founder and chief executive officer of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative in Kumasi.

Quotes

 * Sustainability should be integrated into every aspect of our lives. Businesses should be accountable for the indirect unintended consequences of supply and consumption.
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 * We started this particular initiative about a decade ago. The rationale is to utilize our raw materials and create employment for our youths even as we tackle climate change
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 * The triple problems of poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation have affected rural communities in Ghana and forced many youth from rural Ghana to migrate to the urban areas. One way of addressing these problems is to use local resources, maximize the skills of the people, and enable profitable partnerships throughout the value chain
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 * In my culture, where age and gender impact on social status, being young and a woman is sometimes difficult, especially when meeting potential clients or business partners who can be judgmental. However, this has never stifled my potential or discouraged me. It’s the importance of sustainability for our future that keeps driving me to overcome these sorts of obstacles.
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 * The bamboos are strong, meaning that the bicycles are also strong and durable. The bicycles have been in use for almost 10 years
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 * "I see entrepreneurship as a calling, not as a last resort for those who are looking for employment in the formal sector and not finding it."
 * “I have come to learn to be patient and not give up too quickly. It takes patience and persistence to bring new and innovative products and ways of doing things to a community.”
 * Patience and persistence are essential when introducing innovation and new solutions to a community. No matter what happens, don’t give up too quickly in your business. Stay committed to your vision; you can bring positive change to Africa over time.