The KNUST School of Business (KSB) has hosted an interactive programme on franchising and entrepreneurship, bringing together students and faculty with a delegation of franchise owners and entrepreneurs from the United States to discuss business ownership, leadership and economic empowerment.

The delegation included members of the National Black McDonald's Owner Operator Association (NBMOA), representatives of Southern University A&M College, and entrepreneurs from various sectors. The engagement provided participants with an opportunity to learn about franchising models, entrepreneurial pathways and the operations of one of the world's most recognised restaurant brands.

Addressing participants, Mr. Henry Courtney, a second-generation McDonald's owner-operator, recounted his entrepreneurial journey, explaining that his father's success as a McDonald's franchisee inspired him to pursue the same path. He said he became an owner-operator in 2005 after developing a passion for the business from childhood.

"Franchising is one of the best ways to become an entrepreneur without having to create something from the ground up."

"My father's success as a McDonald's franchisee inspired my entrepreneurial journey. Growing up around the business sparked a passion that led me to become an owner-operator in 2005," he said.

Mr. Courtney praised KNUST's growth and impact, describing its student population of more than 80,000 as "truly amazing" and a reflection of significant investment in education and the future.

He also explained why McDonald's has yet to establish a presence in Ghana despite the success of other global restaurant brands on the continent.

"I believe investing in Ghana through locally owned McDonald's franchisees could create wealth, generational careers, strengthen local businesses and expand economic opportunity. It would be an investment not only in restaurants but in people and the community," he said.

Mrs. Vera Ingram encouraged students to value education and appreciate the role teachers play in shaping their future success.

"Be very grateful for your teachers. They are going to mean so much in your life later. Don't forget to come back and thank them whenever you can," she said.

Mrs. Ingram said she worked as a chemist for 14 years before becoming a McDonald's franchisee in 2001, demonstrating that franchising offers opportunities for people from diverse professional backgrounds.

"The great thing about a franchise is that you don't have to have majored in business or economics to be a franchisee because systems are already in place to teach you everything you need to know," she said.

She encouraged students to pursue economic independence, noting that wealth should be viewed as a means of creating opportunities and freedom rather than simply acquiring material possessions.

The delegation engaged participants in discussions on franchise ownership requirements, financing options, leadership, ethics, supply chain management and market expansion. The franchise owners explained that prospective operators are assessed not only on their financial capacity but also on their integrity, leadership ability, people-management skills and personal brand.

"One thing McDonald's looks for is leadership skills and people skills. We are not in the burger business; we are in the people business."

Another franchise owner urged students to focus on character and reputation.

"Always guard and build your brand. Be a good person, serve where you can, take care of people around you, and believe in yourself."

The session concluded with a networking engagement during which members of the delegation invited students to ask questions and explore opportunities in entrepreneurship.

The programme reinforced KSB's commitment to exposing students to global business perspectives while fostering entrepreneurial thinking and a practical understanding of franchising as a pathway to business ownership and economic development.

Following the programme, students interacted with the franchise owners and entrepreneurs to gain practical insights into entrepreneurship, refine business ideas and learn about the economic realities of building and managing successful businesses.