Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone has had a personal and family experience which is a testament of courage and entrepreneurship. His family has been at the forefront of Ghanaian entrepreneurship for decades. An adventure that began by Ernesto Fiore Taricone in the ’60s, who as a young emigrant, left Italy to settle in Ghana in search of fortune and sixty years later, the company which he founded, Trasacco Group is still present as leaders in various sectors of the Ghanaian Economy. This is an activity which still continues today through the efforts and visions of Massimiliano and his cousins.
From Italy to Ghana and back.
The Adventure of the Console Colasuonno Taricone
After completing his university studies in Rome, Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone immediately entered the working world and began to pave a way into what was to become his area of specialization in the business sector: the marketing of furniture and Interior design products, and of business contracts. He deals with the development of business relations, brand promotion and the implementation of sales strategies for major Italian brands of the industry. He developed a business acumen of high international standards essential for the success of his businesses. The Honorary Consul Colasuonno Massimiliano Taricone alongside former President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama In the years of late 90s is when Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone had his first encounter with Ghana. In reality it can be considered a “return”, because his family is among the best known business dynasties and establishments in the African country; the founders of the Trasacco Group. As a matter of fact, traveling to Ghana was initially an opportunity for the Honorary Consul to visit relatives. And while on tours interests and passions began to spark for a nation that showed dynamism and potential. The Honorary Consul Colasuonno Massimiliano Taricone with Otumfuo Osei Tutu, King of Ashanti. Ashanti is one of most important ethnic group of Ghana This matured into his decision to start his adventure as a business entrepreneur between Ghana-Italy, creating an Italian-Ghanaian company in charge of distributing products of 12 major European furniture brands internationally. Over the next twenty years he participated in the construction of landmark infrastructures of primary importance in the African republic such as: football and hockey stadiums, public infrastructure, hotels and the highest skyscrapers of Ghana, il Villaggio Vista in Accra . 2007 was the right time for a new business venture. Casa Trasacco Limited , the new jewel of the Trasacco Groups was established and spearheaded personally by Massimiliano. The company deals with import – export of designer furniture for multinational companies, ministries and public institutions and international financial institutions, as well as for some of the most famous hotel chains while focusing especially on trade relations between Italy and Ghana. Since 2010 Casa Trasacco has also developed an ambitious international promotional concept of “Made in Ghana” products. Simultaneously to the creation of the new company, Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone was also called to be part of the Board of Directors of the Trasacco Group, and from 2012 as the CEO of Kare Italy , the Italian branch of one of the most famous international designer brands. In 2016 the Government of Ghana awarded him the title of Honorary Consul of Ghana to Italy. This role reflects the double love felt by this personality, who has decided to devote the rest of his time to the development of industrial relations between the two countries. The Honorary Consul Colasuonno Massimiliano Taricone in a meeting with Andrew, Prince of England The human and sports development of the new generations of Ghana is among the programmatic points of the Consul Taricone, who in June 2017 met the leadership of Sassuolo, a team that for years had been in Serie A, to compare the possibility that Emilia-Romagna society opens a Football Academy in Ghana that favors the talents of the very young Ghanaians. In May 2017, Ghana Honorary Consul intervened in defense of Ghana player Sulley Muntari, a victim of an episode of racism during the Cagliari-Pescara match, and in a few days met the Italian referees to promote a campaign of Awareness of racism on the green field. In November 2017, I had the honor of participating in my first bilateral meeting, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Italian Prime Minister, Paolo Gentiloni. During the meeting, we discussed economic development and how to strengthen relations on immigration between Ghana and Italy. In March 2018, we were honored to be the first to launch the Piaggio brand in the West African market. Piaggio, a world leader in the scooter sector, introduced its famous three-wheelers, an icon of Italy’s postwar economic renaissance and a symbol of ingenuity, style, and functionality. In November 2018, I attended a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, the Italian Minister of the Interior, Matteo Salvini, and the CEO of ENI, Claudio Descalzi. The discussions focused on energy development and strengthening cooperation between Ghana and Italy. In February 2019, following the bilateral meeting of November 2018, Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed his willingness to support the creation of the Akwaaba association, dedicated to promoting the culture and historical values of Ghana and the Ashanti people. This project was the prelude to the creation of Ghana House in Italy. In April 2019, President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his full support for our Ghana House project, promoting it through his official social media channels. This recognition was a moment of great pride and personal gratification for me. In May 2019, we started a collaboration with a legend of world football, Paulo Dybala, to develop a social responsibility project for the less privileged. I was deeply impressed by the humanity and simplicity of the man behind the champion. On October 22, 2019, I had the pleasure of personally sponsoring and hosting the RecycleArt exhibition in Accra, an initiative with a strong educational and social value, whose central message is the importance of recycling waste and giving it a second life, to build a more sustainable and livable world. In January 2020, at the invitation of the Italian air defense giant Leonardo SpA, I had the honor of briefing the Minister of Defense of Ghana on the latest aeronautical technologies and possible areas of joint development between Ghana and Italy. Football has always been a fundamental part of my life, and I know its importance and its impact on young people. This is why I have always tried to bring Made in Italy football to Ghana. On this occasion, I presented the President of the Republic of Ghana with a personalized AS Roma jersey, which he himself signed for the fans, as a sign of friendship and participation. On February 3, 2021, I was invited to speak at the Senate of the Italian Republic to illustrate the resilience demonstrated by the Ghanaian people during the pandemic and to present the opportunities for business development in the post-pandemic period. In March 2021, following my visit to Leonardo SpA in Italy and at the urging of the Chief of Air Staff of the Ghana Air Force, we jointly initiated an in-depth analysis of the capabilities and current status of the Ghana Air Force. Continuing the social projects dedicated to spreading the values of sport and creating better opportunities for disadvantaged children, we have created, in collaboration with AIA Roma 1, a training program for young referees. To seal the initiative, the presentation to President Akufo-Addo of the official AIA Italia jersey, a symbol of friendship and sporting cooperation. Without a shadow of a doubt, in March 2021 I had one of the most significant and important experiences of my career. I organized a meeting between the heads of the Government of Ghana, the Chairman of the Friedkin Group, Mr. Dan Friedkin, together with his son Ryan Friedkin, and the Chairman of the Merlyn Fund, Mr. Alessandro Barnaba. The highlight of this trip was the meeting with the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo. Since then, several pilot projects have been born, both in infrastructure and in the sectors of sports, entertainment, and tourism. It was a special emotion for me, since the Friedkin family owns AS Roma, the team of my heart. In July 2022, I organized a high-level meeting with the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Merlyn fund, JP Morgan and the Dogliani Group, dedicated to the strategic vision of the country’s infrastructure system. The objective was to evaluate sustainable development solutions, both from an engineering and financial perspective, for the construction of new roads in rural areas of Ghana. Alongside my passion for football and my friendships with various players and club owners, I cannot fail to praise the figure of Paulo Dybala. There’s no need for me to describe his class and his universally recognized technical qualities, but I want to underline his extraordinary sensitivity towards the world around him and his constant desire to work to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Kwadwo Asamoah, besides being the brother I never had, is one of the most authentic and humble people I know. A legend of Ghanaian football, gifted with a big heart and a constant desire to offer others the tools to grow. Kwadwo is a great person and I’m sure that together we will achieve important projects. In July 2023, at a delicate moment for the Ghanaian national economy and on the sidelines of particularly busy agendas, I had the honor of participating in a highly significant bilateral meeting between the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. At the center of the discussions: immigration, energy development and the strengthening of excellent bilateral relations. An experience that was a source of great pride for me. Finally, in October 2023, together with Kwadwo Asamoah, we launched the SMAC SC and Juventus Academy Ghana project: two distinct yet complementary football models. On the one hand, bringing the best of Made in Italy football to Ghana; on the other, offering a professional training program to disadvantaged kids, from Under 8 to Under 21, also guaranteeing them an education in civics and concrete support for their studies. An initiative that has already had a direct impact on over 350 young people. In April 2024, I experienced a unique emotion when I participated in the bilateral meetings between the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo. Relations between Ghana and Italy are long-standing and solid, and this meeting had great institutional significance. On a personal level, I was deeply struck by the sense of solemnity and respect for the institutions that could be felt: a moment of pride, both national and personal. In February 2025, we welcomed the new government of Ghana. The return of President John Dramani Mahama has a special meaning for me, as he was the first to believe in me to take on the role I hold today. On this occasion, I had the honor of meeting: We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I’m ready to tackle it with them with commitment and determination. 
His Education and first professional experiences
His encounter with Ghana
The birth of Casa Trasacco
The Consul and football
The Honorary Consul Colasuonno Massimiliano Taricone in a meeting with former Ghana President John Kufuor Bilateral with the Italian Prime Minister
Piaggio launches in West Africa
Bilateral meeting with the Italian Minister of the Interior and ENI
AKWAABA Association is founded, a prelude to Ghana House.
President Akufo Addo supports Ghana House
Structuring the social responsibility project
RecycleArt Exhibition
Visit to LEONARDO SPA
Roma’s shirt was presented to President Akufo Addo.
Speech at the Senate of the Italian Republic
Visit to the Ghana Air Force
Presentation of the AIA Jersey to the President of the Republic of Ghana
Friedkin Group in Ghana
Meeting with Merlyn JP Morgan and the Dogliani group
Paulo Dybala
Kwadwo Asamoah
Bilateral meeting between the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni
Launch of JUVENTUS Academy Ghana – SMAC SC
Meeting with the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella
Presentation of the new Government
Read also: Invest in Ghana
