John Asogonnde
John Asogonnde
John Asogonnde is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, author, and addiction recovery advocate known for founding Eden Bar, described by several media outlets as Ghana’s first non-alcoholic bar.[1][2] He is also known for his advocacy work around substance abuse recovery, mental health awareness and alcohol-free culture in Africa.
| John Asogonnde | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 26, 1994 (age 32) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| 📆 Years active | 2019 - present |
| Known for | Eden Bar (Ghana's first non-alcoholic bar) and addiction recovery advocacy |
Asogonnde is the author of the memoir UNCHAINED[3], which documents his experiences with addiction, recovery, faith, and personal transformation. He has appeared on multiple Ghanaian media platforms including Citi TV[4] and TV3 Ghana discussing addiction recovery and alcohol-free living.[5]
In 2023, he received the Uplift Award from the World Alcohol-Free Awards[6] for his work in promoting alcohol-free social spaces in Africa.
Early life and education
John Asogonnde was born in Ghana on 26 April 1994 and raised in Kadjebi in the Oti Region. During his youth, he developed interests in media, entertainment and entrepreneurship. He later became involved in Ghana’s nightlife and entertainment industry, working in artist management, events, and branding.
Asogonnde attended Valley View University in Ghana, where he experienced struggles with substance abuse, including alcohol and marijuana addiction. According to interviews[7] he has given publicly, these challenges significantly affected his academic performance and personal life before his recovery journey began in 2018.
Career
In 2017, John Asogonnde worked in public relations and artist management for Desmond (D-Black) Blackmore’s record label, Black Avenue Muzik. Operating under the name “John Hermit,” he was involved in media relations, promotional campaigns, and communications for artists affiliated with the label, including Sefa, Wisa Greid, Freda Rhymz, and Dahlin Gage.[8][9]
He later founded J2 Global Solutions in 2019, a branding and printing company.
Eden Bar
In 2021, Asogonnde announced plans to establish Ghana’s first standalone non-alcoholic bar after quitting alcohol and marijuana.[10][11]
Eden Bar officially launched in Accra in 2022[12] as an alcohol-free nightlife concept offering non-alcoholic cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits. The venue was created to provide an alternative social environment for people seeking nightlife experiences without alcohol consumption.[1][2]
The concept gained media attention in Ghana and internationally due to its positioning within Africa’s emerging alcohol-free beverage movement. Asogonnde has described the venture as both a hospitality business and a social impact initiative focused on addiction recovery and healthier lifestyles.[13][14]
In 2026, Asogonnde was appointed to the judging panel of the World Alcohol-Free Awards[15] in London.[16]
Advocacy and public speaking
John Asogonnde is an advocate for addiction recovery, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment.[17][18] He frequently speaks at schools, conferences, media programs, and public forums on topics relating to substance abuse prevention and recovery.
He has collaborated with institutions and organizations in Ghana on discussions relating to addiction and behavioral health.[19] He has also participated in international alcohol-free industry events and conferences in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Books
Asogonnde is the author of books centered on addiction recovery, personal transformation, faith, and mental health awareness.
Breaking Up With Mary Jane
Breaking Up With Mary Jane is a book by Asogonnde focused on marijuana abuse and addiction recovery. In 2019, he received the Best Author award at the Youth Excellence Awards for the publication.[20]
UNCHAINED
UNCHAINED is a memoir by Asogonnde documenting his experiences with addiction, recovery, faith, and entrepreneurship. The book details his journey from substance abuse into advocacy and the founding of Eden Bar.[3]
Awards and recognition
- Best Author, Youth Excellence Awards (2019), for Breaking Up With Mary Jane[20]
- Uplift Award, World Alcohol-Free Awards (2023), for contributions to the alcohol-free beverage movement and the development of Eden Bar in Ghana[6]
- Appointed to the judging panel of the World Alcohol-Free Awards (2026) in London, becoming the only African representative involved in evaluating alcohol-free beverages from global producers
Media Appearances
Asogonnde has appeared on media platforms including:
External Links
John Asogonnde on X
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Desk, Publishing (2022-10-07). "Eden Bar: Ghana's first non-alcoholic bar launched in Accra". 3News. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Ghana's first non-alcoholic bar launched in Accra". 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Overcoming addictions: John Asogonnde exposes it all in new book, "UNCHAINED"".
- ↑ ChannelOne TV (2020-01-31). Time with John Asogonnde. Retrieved 2026-05-23 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:7 - ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Ghana's John Asogonnde wins first Uplift Award - World Alcohol-Free Awards". www.worldafawards.com. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ ChannelOne TV (2020-01-31). Time with John Asogonnde. Retrieved 2026-05-23 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "D-Black Signs Wisa, 2 Others To Black Avenue Muzik". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "Black Avenue Muzik Visits President Akufo-Addo". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "27-year-old man who quit smoking and drinking to open non-alcoholic bar in Ghana". 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ Anderson, Linda (2021-10-04). "John Asogonnde: Ghanaian man Opens Accra's First Non-alcoholic bar After Quitting Drinking - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ Etefe, Juliet (2022-10-13). "I quit drinking to set up first alcohol-free bar". The Business & Financial Times. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Willoughby, Laura (2025-04-11). "The Next Round: John opened Ghana's first alcohol-free bar". Club Soda. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "BBC Audio | Africa Daily | Are attitudes towards drinking changing on the continent?". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "Meet Our Judges - World Alcohol-Free Awards". www.worldafawards.com. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "London: John Asogonnde Joins Judging Panel For 2026 World Alcohol-Free Awards". kubilive. 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ Dzakpata, Fred (2024-05-27). "Ghana must not legalise marijuana for recreational use, says Asogonnde". Asaase Radio. Archived from the original on 2025-07-23. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "John Asogonnde | Addiction Conferences 2021 | Behavioral Health Conferences 2021 | Psychiatry Conferences 2021 | Addiction Medicine Conference | GAB 2021". addiction-behavioral-conferences.magnusgroup.org. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "John Hermit Donates Book Profits To Ghana's Mental Health Authority". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "John Hermit Wins Best Author At Youth Excellence Awards 2019". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ "Up-Close with John Asogonnde | 'Unchained' - Embracing purpose beyond addiction". www.modernghana.com. Retrieved 2026-05-23.
- ↑ John Asogonnde (2024-05-27). JOHN ASOGONNDE ON THE AFTERNOON SHOW AT TV3. Retrieved 2026-05-23 – via YouTube.
- ↑ 14 reactions | 'You need to accept that alcohol is a problem for you; from that acceptance, you can then begin to seek help.' – Mr. John Asogonnde (Founder, Eden Bar) #WoezorTV | WoezorTV. Retrieved 2026-05-23 – via www.facebook.com.
- ↑ I am now also helping people to overcome their addiction -John Asogonnde, the founder of Eden Bar, Accra's first non-alcoholic bar. #UnEdited | 3FM 92.7. Retrieved 2026-05-23 – via www.facebook.com.
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