Secrets of my love for Africa – Ali Jihami, Ghandour Cosmetics manager

The marketing maestro of Ghandour Cosmetics Ltd, Ali Jihami, recently provided a background to how he came to live in Ghana and became a prominent figure in the marketing scene of the West African country despite his Lebanese heritage.

Disclosing what inspired his relocation to Ghana in 2001, he said: “The political unrest was a factor but mainly I was devastated by the loss of my father as a young man seeking direction and starting his own life.

A friend had returned from Ghana and had nothing but good things to say about the country. Within three weeks of that visit, I had gotten a job offer from Ghandour Cosmetics and didn’t look back.”

Giving insight into what he likes most about Africa while growing up, Ali JIhami avowed that “Africa is defined by its people and the environment,” both of which are great.

“The weather is fantastic and the countries in the continent are similar and yet so diverse in their people, culture, and heritage. Like any other continent, it is not perfect but its challenges present an opportunity and so I believe in the African dream. Africans are welcoming, and the continent is beautiful. I love and feel at home here,” he said.

While he had his primary and high school education in Lebanon, Ali Jihami, over the years, also earned marketing and sales qualifications, among them a Master of Science in Digital Marketing, he confirmed.

He further provided a background on how growing up as the only son impacted him.
“I am the last born and only male among four female siblings. Despite how that might sound, I am far from pampered. In our culture as a man, regardless of age, you take on the family responsibility. I have a good relationship with all my sisters, and we are a close-knit family. I am very protective of them especially after we lost our mom to Alzheimer’s disease,” he explained.