United Mattress and Foam Company Limited was Ghana’s inaugural mattress factory, and this company was built by Edward Osei Boakye at the age of 26, some 64 years ago.
Born in May 1933 to parents from royal lineages in Juaben and Bamang, Boakye encountered early hardships when his father passed away. Undeterred by this setback, he pursued higher education at Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio.
In 1959, he returned to Ghana and founded the United Mattress and Foam Company Ltd. at a mere 26 years of age.
During those times, mattresses were a rarity in Ghana, imported at exorbitant costs. Boakye initiated his journey by assembling the highly sought-after Vono brand of mattresses, catering to state schools and hospitals.
This innovative step alleviated the need for importing mattresses from Britain.
Subsequently, he acquired the State Furniture and Joinery Centre, enabling him to produce mattresses at a lower cost under his own brand. The mattresses featured the iconic “Goodnight sleep well” emblem.
Boakye Mattress’s expansion continued through partnerships with Vitafoam of Nigeria and West Africa Foam Company. Boakye’s business interests extended across West Africa, encompassing The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, as well as European countries like the United States, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy.
In a notable achievement during the 1970s, Boakye Mattress erected Ghana’s first fully-serviced private hospital, later becoming the state-owned Police Hospital.
Boakye’s ventures encompassed not only commercial property developments like the FC Cosmetics Building but also plans for a drive-in shopping mall at Holy Gardens – Kwame Nkrumah Circle, among other projects.
Unfortunately, misfortune struck when Boakye fell victim to the PNDC coups. Amid the turmoil, he faced allegations of tax evasion and other infractions, leading to a trial held in absentia.
This halted his grand visions, isolating him from his homeland, family, and businesses for nearly fifteen years.
Boakye, however, exhibited unwavering resilience. He diversified into textiles, retail, wholesale, and property development. Even acquiring a British government grant to establish a mattress factory in Ireland and engaging in local politics as a member of the Conservative Party in the UK.
In the early 1990s, Boakye returned to Ghana determined to clear his name, speaking out against injustices at the National Reconciliation Commission in the early 2000s.
Despite enduring setbacks, Boakye’s indomitable spirit prevailed. In 2003, at the age of 70, he inaugurated a mattress factory in Kumasi, only to witness it razed by fire in an industrial mishap. Nevertheless, his determination remained unbroken, and production persisted in a limited capacity as he continued expanding his real estate interests.
Throughout his life, Boakye was renowned for his unwavering work ethic, astute business acumen, and benevolence. His days commenced at dawn, demonstrating his relentless dedication. His legacy is a testament to his devotion to family, friends, and his country. Much of his estate was allocated to the E.O. Boakye Trust Fund, dedicated to charitable endeavors.
Ultimately, Boakye crafted an empire through sheer determination, fueled by his love for his nation and family. He endured hardships and rebounded from setbacks that would have overwhelmed others. His legacy endures through his businesses and the philanthropic efforts upheld by the E.O. Boakye Trust Fund.
Today, Ghana’s mattress industry thrives with numerous companies and brands. However, it all originated with Edward Osei Boakye – the visionary who recognized the demand for affordable, domestically produced mattresses and transformed that vision into a triumphant business realm.
As we commemorate Boakye’s life and legacy, we draw inspiration from his tenacity and perseverance. His narrative reminds us that with diligence, resilience, and an unwavering spirit, we can accomplish remarkable feats and leave an enduring imprint on the world around us.