By Bernard Kelvin Clive
If the work you're creating today isn't going to remain valuable or make a difference once you're no longer around, then you're not establishing a true legacy.
Therefore, we are carrying on with the series titled 'Preparing Your Brand and Business for the Next Generation'.
This piece will explore several Ghanaian companies that have been operating for more than three decades and continue to succeed. I applied the GRASS Legacy Framework to evaluate them.
Here are several notable Ghanaian brands that have not only endured over the years but continue to flourish today. We start with a company in the Printing and Publishing industry, followed by some educational institutions that subtly transformed the private education scene in Accra. I examined them using the GRASS Framework from my book.Beyond You.
Buck Press: A Tradition in Publishing and a Blueprint for Organization
In the realm of printing and publishing, Buck Press holds a prominent position.
Buck Press Limited, established by Mr. Eric Kofi Buckman in 1980 and active since May 1, 1987, is a fully Ghanaian-owned company authorized to offer security printing, general printing, publishing, and stationery services.
For more than 30 years, it has emerged as one of Ghana's leading five printing companies, focusing on a diverse array of products such as ballot papers, passports, textbooks, and annual reports. Their strong investment in advanced offset, digital, and security printing technology reflects their dedication to meeting international standards.
Applying the GRASS Framework
- G – Grooming
- Buck Press operates under a well-organized leadership framework. Supported by a seasoned board, headed by Prof. Franklyn A. Manu, the company also conducts mentorship and training initiatives aimed at nurturing talent.
- R – Records
- Their collection covers many years of notable initiatives—biometric passports, financial reports, educational materials—which highlights their comprehensive data and project management processes.
- A – Ambition
- Their declared goal is to become a "first-rate printing, publishing, and packaging company" throughout West Africa. Their publishing division, which was introduced more recently, specializes in educational and storytelling books designed to enhance Ghanaian literary traditions.
- S – Systems
- Buck Press utilizes completely automated processes, rigorous quality control measures, and a strong administrative foundation. Their manufacturing system is structured to operate effectively, irrespective of the founder's direct involvement.
- S – Succession
- CEO Eric Kofi Buckman, who received his training at the London College of Printing, continues to be engaged at the strategic level. The day-to-day management, however, is managed by the executive team—including Dr. Francis Nyanin (Executive Director) and department heads—showcasing a strong framework and a successful succession culture.
Why Buck Press Is Significant as a Ghanaian Business Example
- Legacy beyond the founderThe company succeeds due to an effective leadership team and board, not solely because of its original creator.
- Data-driven growthFor more than three decades, they have developed a wide range of projects along with detailed operational information.
- Values-led ambitionThe company's core principles—Quality, Innovation, Integrity, Accountability, Stewardship, and Teamwork—are documented and showcased in their mission statements.
- Systems for continuityTheir established workflow processes and expert management enable the organization to grow consistently.
- Succession-ready: Having an engaged CEO and a capable executive team, they exemplify effective succession planning.
\xa0Great Lamptey-Mills Complex School
Founded in 1963 by the late Rev. Abraham Samuel Lamptey-Mills, Great Lamptey-Mills Complex School started with only twelve students in Accra. Over time, it has developed into a well-known school providing education from nursery through to senior high school.
What makes it unique is not only the length of time the school has been around, but also how smoothly the leadership has changed over the years — with the next generation assuming control without any issues or conflicts. That's the power of legacy.
Let's examine this using the G.R.A.S.S. approach:
G – Grooming
From the start, Rev. Lamptey-Mills was creating more than just a school — he was shaping a legacy. His children were involved, observing, gaining knowledge, and getting ready. Now, leadership is held by Mr. Enoch Lamptey-Mills, who has carried forward the vision and grown it, particularly at the senior high level.
This was not a sudden transfer of responsibility. It was a process of preparation — deliberate guidance and leadership development that took place well before the transition occurred.
R – Records
The institution maintained thorough records — including instructional programs, student files, staff training, and administrative procedures. These documents have supported consistency, whether in routine activities or future strategies.
It's more than just a traditional lecture-based school. It's a structured brand that has a clear identity — and maintains that in writing.
A – Ambition
Rev. Lamptey-Mills held a vision that extended beyond education. His goal was to nurture students who were devoted to God, well-mannered, and aware of their national responsibilities. This same aspiration continues to resonate within the school's premises even now. It is not merely about succeeding in the BECE; it is about building strong character.
That's the reason the school has nurtured some of Ghana's most comprehensive alumni.
S – Systems
Systems can be found everywhere — from organized schedules to structured learning, performance tracking, meal programs, and even their well-known sports environment. These systems guarantee that the school operates smoothly, regardless of whether Mr. Tee is present or not.
That's the strength of structured processes — and it's a major factor in why the institution continues to succeed even after many years.
S – Succession
This is where the impact becomes significant. The shift from Rev. Lamptey-Mills to his son was not random. It was carefully thought out, deliberate, and well-considered. As a result, the school did not lose its core identity — it acquired additional vitality.
This is how genuine succession appears. Not a rush, not a takeover — a seamless, value-driven transition.
Starting with only twelve students, Lamptey-Mills has grown into a multi-campus organization that influences thousands, demonstrating that legacy is not about chance — it's created. Cultivated leaders. Documented principles. Bold vision. Structured processes. Planned transition.
Furthermore, the school has received numerous accolades throughout the years, and due to their expansion and outstanding performance, we strongly commend them.
John Teye Memorial Institute
Prior to my upbringing in Accra, there was a man named Rev. Lawrence John Teye who established a small math and piano club in Kotobabi during the early 1970s. By October 1973, this club had evolved into a fully operational school in Ofankor: the Rev. John Teye Memorial Institute. Fast forward fifty years, and the school continues to flourish, not only academically but also as a cultural institution with national acclaim. Currently, it is still managed by the founders' family, guided by Lawrence John Teye Jr., and it remains one of Ghana's most esteemed private Christian schools.
This is yet another educational institution that subtly demonstrates achievement through organization—and the effectiveness of the G.R.A.S.S. Legacy Framework when implemented properly. Here's how they demonstrate it:
G – Grooming
Starting as a club and evolving into a complete nursery, primary, and senior high school, the transfer of leadership from Founder Lawrence John Teye to his son was done gradually. John Teye Jr. was raised within the organization, gaining familiarity with its music, academic programs, and values. This ongoing exposure—learning through active participation—facilitated a smooth transition of leadership within the family.
R – Records
Reverend John Teye focused on record-keeping from the beginning—curricula, student growth policies, music program frameworks, and even regulations for the library and cadet corps. Currently, the school continues to use these basic documents as a reference for direction and planning. A well-outlined set of values (Diligence, Integrity, Selflessness)—also noted in policy—directs each new group of administrators.
A – Ambition
A tutoring club that started as a church initiative had a broader goal: to nurture disciplined, musically talented, and morally strong young Ghanaians. This vision continues to be reflected in the school's key programs—the John Teye School Band is well-known nationally, having participated in the first Ghana Jazz Festival, toured Europe in 2002, and released albums such as "He Lives" and "Use Me in Thy Vineyard."
S – Systems
Starting from a piano club, the Rev. John Teye Institute has developed a comprehensive SHS that offers support for feeding, cadet groups, music, sports, and academic organizations. The school created adaptable systems for every department. It also set up a model fire-fighting cadet corps—Ghana's first of its kind in a second-cycle institution—which led to well-disciplined, safety-aware students and an impressive public image.
S – Succession
The shift to the second generation was not an abrupt change—it was a carefully organized transition. John Teye Jr. and the senior management progressed through guidance, organizational experience, and shared principles. Now, leadership demonstrates consistency.
Rev. John Teye Memorial Institute started as a modest piano and math club—yet it had a clear objective. Nurturing within the family, preserving traditions, having strong goals in music and personality, organized structures, and planned leadership transition ensured its continuation.
The GRASS Framework is fully deployed.
Now, it's your turn. No matter where your brand and business stand at this moment, we can all start to prepare it for the next era, drawing lessons from successful examples and utilizing the GRASS Framework to achieve better results.
If you liked this, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Send me an email:bernardkelvinclive@gmail.com. And if you're looking for more, pick up any of my branding or business books on your preferred online platform.
The best is yours.
Keep in mind, I am your brand and publishing advisor.
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