Mukesh V Thakwani
Founder & CEO
B5 Plus Group | Tema, Ghana, West Africa
Janam Bhumi:
Gujarat, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Gujarat, India
Karma Bhumi:
Tema, Ghana, West Africa
Steel-Visioned for Peace, People, & Planet
The ‘Mukesh’ Factor: “Leadership is not about position, but about purpose. And your life should be a testament to that.”
THE MAN
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be,” said the famous author Douglas Adams once. He was probably describing Mukesh V. Thakwani’s life journey. Mukesh arrived in Ghana in 1996 with no intent of settling there. “I didn’t plan to start a business in Ghana when I arrived in Accra, the country’s capital, in 1996 in transit from Liberia,” he recalls of his sudden movement to the West African nation. “But I fell in love with Ghana and the Ghanaian people, and hence, I decided to stay here forever.”
With no family in Ghana when he first arrived, he started from scratch, building relationships that soon felt like family. Determined to succeed, he then took a step forward to establish a manufacturing unit for steel products and founded B5 Plus Group in 2002, headquartered at Kpone Barrier in Tema, Ghana, under the motto “Strength with Safety.” Today, the company is West Africa’s largest steel manufacturer and exporter, with more than 500,000 tonnes annual installed capacity and directly indirectly employing 17000 Ghanaians. Mukesh’s contribution and efforts are recognised throughout Ghana, and he is referred to as the ‘Doyen of West Africa’s Steel Industry.’
Born and raised in Gujarat, India, Mukesh’s ‘stopover’ visit has turned into one of the most glorious and successful entrepreneurship stories of West Africa and one of the world’s most recognised steel industries.
THE JOURNEY
Mike, as Mukesh is popularly known in Ghana, always dreamt of building a leading unit producing steel products with an aim of serving a triple purpose — caring for people, creating impact and helping the planet. His dedication and determination made him achieve them all. He not only helped build the nation from B5 Plus, but also created direct and indirect employment for over 17,000 individuals across the nation within multiple sectors.
Mukesh sourced scrap locally thereby helping the national economy and at the same time, helping the planet to get rid of unnecessary waste. This way, B5 Plus contributes not only to the economy but also allows the nation to save millions of dollars in foreign exchange for Ghana. With a state-of-the-art plant at Larkpleku Village, Prampram, constructed under Ghana’s flagship One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, B5 Plus stands as a symbol of industrial excellence aligned with national priorities. The facility is built across hundreds of acres, and includes steel melting shops, rolling mills, pre-fabrication plants, warehouses, and modern logistics systems, all operating under the ethos of ‘Made in Ghana’.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
While B5 Plus continued to grow, Mukesh never forgot those who were in need of more developed and improved social facilities and features. He has consistently given back to society through education and skill development initiatives, healthcare and safety schemes, and social betterment programmes, be it for the youth or women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mukesh, as part of B5 Plus’ social initiatives, donated free oxygen to all Government and private hospitals. It offered free oxygen refilling for all government and private hospitals from March 2020 to April 2022. “We also distributed foodstuffs to 5,000 plus underprivileged families in remote areas of Ghana like Larkpleku, Chipoli, Ningo, Prampram, Kpone and Dwahanya.,” he shares.
B5 Plus has won more than 100 national awards, but the Ministry of Health’s certificate of appreciation received in 2023 is the “one most dear” to Mukesh as it recognised the contributions made during the pandemic. B5 Plus has founded and promoted a world-renowned school, Delhi Public School International (DPSI), in Tema, making it a centre of excellence in learning and all-round development of children in Ghana as well as neighbouring nations.
“I have always believed that leadership is not about position, but about purpose. And your life should be a testament to that,” he says. “Whether it’s transformative policies or the people-centric approach, I aim to serve with humility, to dream with courage, and to act with conviction.”
THE LEGACY
Mukesh is married to Tanya, who has not only seen his success, but also his struggles and stood by his side, no matter what the situation has been. Apart from being a shareholder of B5 Plus. Tanya contributes majorly to the running of DPS International. “She has a B.Sc., B.ED, certifications in Montessori Pedagogy from Montessori Center International. She has attended several workshops on Psychology, and Leadership from reputed universities like Cambridge University, UK,” Mukesh says with pride. “Her qualifications and skills make her the best person for DPSI operations.” Tanya is also a Certified Counsellor. Her sole aim is to impart quality education as a true educationist. The couple have tried to pass on the legacies to the next generation, and they know their kids will take both the conventional and contemporary trends forward. Needless to say, the next generation has big shoes to fill.
After all, they will be following in the footsteps of the Doyen of West Africa’s Steel Industry, who is also a devoted son and champion of his birth nation. He says, “I may live thousands of miles away, but every act of service, every job created, every classroom built carries a piece of India’s soul — the belief that true progress is when it uplifts others.”
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“As a child, Bharat meant my roots — a land of values, discipline, and strong family bonds. It was where I learned integrity, hard work, and the importance of giving back. Today, Bharat to me represents a rising global power, a blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. It is a nation whose ideals continue to guide me, even as I contribute to the growth of another land, Ghana.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“Life was simple and tightly held together by a closely knit community where neighbours felt like family. It was also tough — money was tight, work was constant, and resilience was the rule. At fifteen, I left India alone for West Africa to seek opportunity and build a future. The biggest change since then is the speed and scale of progress. Technology and global connections have opened doors that did not exist before. Yet what matters has not changed — community, courage, and the habit of hard work still guide me.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“Through our work in Ghana, my family and I embody the spirit of Bharat abroad — building bridges, not borders. My Bharatiya identity lies in seva, honesty, humility, and respect for all. My children know that true success comes from service, compassion, and education. Together, we represent a Bharat that contributes globally while staying rooted in its values — a journey from roots to wings, carrying the spirit of Bharat wherever destiny takes us.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“The growth of B5 Plus from a modest beginning into West Africa’s largest steel manufacturing company reflects Bharat’s entrepreneurial spirit — the ability to dream big, work hard, and stay humble. It shows that an Indian abroad can not only build industries but also uplift societies through education and philanthropy.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“I dream of a Bharat where every child has access to quality education and healthcare — where opportunity is not a privilege but a right. I wish to see our youth continue to innovate, lead, and uplift others, just as our forefathers envisioned. My message to the Indian youth of today is simple. ‘Dream fearlessly, work selflessly, and let your success serve humanity’. That is the true spirit of Bharat.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
I grew up craving home-cooked dal and roti, which is the real taste of love and simplicity.
NOW
Nothing is more satisfying than a humble Indian meal made with care.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I loved cricket. Cricket taught me teamwork, patience, and the joy of honest competition.
NOW
I play life like a sport — with discipline, humility, and the will to keep improving.
Music Tastes
THEN
I found peace in bhajans and old Hindi melodies that filled our home with warmth.
NOW
My playlist may have grown global, but I still return to bhajans and old Hindi melodies — the rhythm of Indian soul still leads every tune.
Holiday Life
THEN
For me, holidays meant family, laughter, and long train rides, not luxury, but togetherness.
NOW
Today, a perfect holiday is quiet time with family and gratitude for how far we’ve come.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Leisure was learning, reading, listening, and growing through stories and people.
NOW
I unwind by reading, reflecting, and finding calm in meaningful moments.
AKA
2024 Entrepreneur of the Decade (Ghana CEO Awards) | “Doyen of West Africa’s Steel Industry” | Most Respected CEO in Heavy Industry (Ghana) | Mukesh V Thakwani Founder & CEO | Mukesh Thakwani Founder B5 Plus Group | CEO B5 Plus Group | Business Leader Mukesh Thakwani
