When Sidiq Issah lost his car key in a bustling shopping centre back in 2012, he had no idea it would change the course of his life. The locksmith who came to help didn’t handle the job very well, and that moment of frustration lit a fire.
What started as a personal interest later turned into a full-time career. Today, as CEO of Key Security Solutions (KSS), Sidiq leads a thriving locksmith business in Accra, with plans for further expansion across West Africa.
My Journey & Company
It’s been a long journey getting to this point, leading one of Ghana’s fastest growing locksmithing businesses. My name is Sidiq Issah, and I’m the founder and CEO of Key Security Solutions (KSS). We’re based in Accra, Ghana, with two established branches and a third opening in June 2025. We employ nine full-time staff and work with four skilled contractors, offering everything from auto locksmithing to commercial security and product distribution.
KSS was founded in 2023, but my locksmithing journey began much earlier. I entered the industry full-time in 2015 after a personal experience: I lost my car key at a shopping centre, and when I called for help, the locksmith that showed up did a poor job. That frustration sparked something. I began researching transponders and reading everything I could find. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion.
Even before then, in 2012, I was dabbling in auto locksmithing on weekends while still working as a Network Engineer in the corporate world. By 2013, I had found a small space to start part-time, and over the next few years, I steadily built my skills and reputation. There wasn’t rapid growth at first; but I kept going. Now, nearly a decade later, I run a thriving operation with a dedicated team.
Our Core Values
At KSS, our core values are what set us apart:
- Customer focus: We always put ourselves in the customer’s shoes, especially when they’re locked out and stressed.
- Reliability and integrity: If we say we’re coming, we show up. If we say we’ll fix it, we fix it.
- Innovation: We work closely with suppliers to try new products and tools, improving service delivery across the board.
- Professionalism: We use the right tools, the right methods, and always back it with knowledge and research.
Our Services
Our services are wide-ranging. While 70–80% of our work is automotive locksmithing, we also handle residential and commercial security, key cutting, key programming, lockouts, CCTV installations, and even smart home technology like smart locks, intruder alarms, and doorbells. We’re also an approved distributor of industry leading brands like Xhorse, Autel, and Keydiy, supplying other locksmiths with universal keys, transponders, programming and cutting tools.
Collaboration with UK Training Companies: Safe Training
We’re now looking to expand into an area with huge potential in Ghana: safe and vault work. There is a noticeable gap in the market for professional safe technicians, and we regularly get enquiries for services we are not yet fully equipped to handle. As a result, safe training is a top priority for us in the coming year. I would like to reach out to any trainers in the UK who could help provide training to enable us to explore opportunities to gain modern skills and tools in this specialist field. Once we’re equipped, I believe safe work will become a core part of our offering.
Locksmithing in Ghana
Locksmithing in Ghana is unique. The average Ghanaian isn’t very security-conscious due to low crime levels. People mostly do spare keys only when it is a bank/loan requirement. Most callouts are for ‘all key lost” or basic repairs. People tend to trust their neighbours and often delay investing in security until something happens.
That said, we’re seeing rising interest in video monitoring, smart locks, and push-to-start key systems. There’s a definite trend toward upgrading old locks with digital, fingerprint-enabled options.
Expansion Plans
This year, I have big plans for Key Security Solutions:
- Launch our third branch in Accra.
- Expand into Nigeria, after attending a West African mobile event for B2B opportunities.
- Grow our team through apprenticeships—a system that’s already working well. We’ve had apprentices stay with us for years after completing our in-house training.
- Develop a vocational training centre in Ghana to formalise locksmith education, and I’m actively seeking partnerships with UK companies to help improve our standards and knowledge base.
- Invest in safe training to build new skills and meet rising demand.
We also hold quarterly training sessions for our staff to explore new tools and techniques. Continuous learning is at the heart of what we do.
Featuring in The Locksmith Journal
I’m genuinely excited to be featured in The Locksmith Journal. I hadn’t come across it before, but after being invited and checking out the publication, I was impressed. It’s a great platform, and I’m honoured to share our story with the wider locksmithing community.
Sidiq Issah
Key Security Solutions (KSS), Accra, Ghana
FB/IG: @keydoctorsgh
More information
Key Security is a leading provider of comprehensive vehicle and home security solutions in Ghana, catering to the needs of car/homeowners and drivers across the country. They specialise in a wide range of services, including key cutting, key programming, remote key repair, and replacement for all car models. Also, they cover CCTV, Access Control and Smart Locks for their home security solutions.
Their mission is to empower our customers by providing expert locksmith and security solutions that bring peace of mind and confidence in their safety. With a passion for safeguarding what matters most to customers, they are committed to providing top-tier services that live up to their motto: “Securely Solved.”