From Broken Promises to Building Wealth: How Ghana Is Changing the Diaspora Property Investment Landscape

Many of us have heard the stories of our parents sending money back home to build houses, relying on family members to provide recommendations that, unfortunately, often proved unfruitful. Many invested their hard-earned money only to lose it through projects left unfinished or funds being squandered by someone who had promised to deliver their dreams. There is also the harsh reality of trying to manage investments from thousands of miles away. Family disputes, conflicts over property ownership and broken promises are all too familiar. These are raw and real stories of dreams that came at a painful cost.

Investing across borders can be unpredictable and, at times, far from straightforward. So, when two British-born Ghanaian sisters from South London, Anna and Victoria Agykeum, came together in 2016 as visionaries in the property industry, their mission was clear: to connect the global diaspora, dispel some of the myths surrounding property investment and make investing in Ghana much easier.

Anna and Victoria founded the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo with a mission to bridge the gap between the diaspora and genuine, trusted organisations in Ghana offering property, investment and business opportunities. Their vision was clear: they wanted to create the transparency that, sadly, our parents never experienced when investing back home.

Victoria Agyekum and Anna Agyekum — PeopleDem Property

Over the last decade, the expo has established itself as a recognised property event, connecting the diaspora with opportunities in Ghana. Events such as this are helping to move the conversation beyond relying solely on family and friends back home, allowing the diaspora to engage directly with property professionals, ask questions and make more informed decisions. The expo has brought these conversations to audiences in Accra and the UK, creating a platform for people to explore opportunities and better understand the investment landscape.

I had the opportunity to attend the London edition of the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo, which was held over two days, on 16th and 17th October, at the Design Business Centre in North London.

Before attending, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Property investment in Ghana had never really been something I had seriously considered. My parents had built two houses back in Ghana, one in Accra and another in their hometown in the Eastern Region. However, I was eager to hear the conversations taking place around why we should invest back home, what opportunities existed and, importantly, what the process actually involved.

Over the years, hearing the horror stories and being constantly reminded of why we shouldn't invest and why things might not work out would put anyone off. Yet, despite these concerns, we have witnessed an influx of diaspora communities packing up and moving back home to invest, whether in property or by establishing their own businesses.

There has also been growing interest from African Americans exploring investment opportunities in Ghana, recognising the potential to build, create and preserve wealth. Ghana is often recognised as one of Africa's more stable democracies, something that has attracted international interest over the years. Its wealth of natural resources, coupled with an evolving economy, presents the country as a place of possibility and opportunity. Data published by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) shows the registration of 76 projects with a total estimated FDI value of US$862.96 million, highlighting the scale of interest in Ghana's investment landscape.

In recent years, we have also seen a new generation of entrepreneurs helping to make investing back home more accessible. British-Ghanaian entrepreneurs such as Lorraine Wright MBE have made the move from the UK to help members of the diaspora navigate the property market and purchase homes in Ghana.

There are many reasons why the diaspora is choosing to invest in Ghana. For some, it is about reconnecting with their cultural roots and identity. For others, it is about contributing to Ghana's development, tapping into the country's growing tourism industry, owning property or exploring business opportunities. The list is endless.

Take Michael Kyei Ayensu, founder of Jacob West, one of Ghana's recognised real estate development companies. London-born and bred, he returned to Ghana in 2012 and has since built a name for himself in the property industry. He often speaks about the philosophy behind Jacob West: "Where building in Ghana is more than construction; it's about coming home."

Those words resonate deeply with the diaspora. Because coming home means so much more than simply returning to a place. It is about belonging, reconnecting with your roots and feeling a sense of acceptance. For many, investing in Ghana goes beyond financial gain; it is a deeply personal decision rooted in identity, belonging and the desire to come home.

Whilst visiting the event, I experienced Ghana through its many rich and vibrant facets. As a British Ghanaian who is very much in touch with my heritage and identity, I was still in awe of just how much Ghana has to offer. The expo went beyond property investment and business; it was also a celebration of our culture, showcasing Ghana to those who may not have fully appreciated the wealth of opportunities and experiences the country has to offer.

From travel and tourism to beauty, wellness and so much more, there was something for everyone, all under one roof. It was a wonderful reminder that Ghana has so much more to offer than property alone.

We were welcomed by vibrant hosts, journalist Afua Adom and media services consultant Kwaku Owusu Frimpong, who brought energy to the event. They led conversations featuring leading Ghanaian property experts, finance professionals and legal specialists, alongside insightful panel discussions exploring the realities of investing in Ghana.

Organisations including Jolly Homes Ghana, Jacob West Ltd and Swami India Ghana Ltd were among those in attendance, offering visitors the opportunity to connect directly with businesses and organisations operating in the Ghanaian market.

We were also honoured by the presence of Mrs Saba Zita Benson, Ghana's High Commissioner, whose attendance added further significance to an event centred on strengthening the relationship between Ghana and its diaspora.

Ultimately, the expo revisited an important conversation: why should we invest in Ghana, and how can we do so with confidence?

For me, one of the biggest takeaways was understanding that the risks associated with investing back home do not necessarily mean we should turn our backs on the opportunities. Our parents' experiences have taught us valuable lessons, particularly about the importance of due diligence, transparency and having the right people around us. Rather than blindly relying on recommendations from family members or distant connections, we need to take a more informed approach, seeking independent professional advice, understanding the legal processes involved and ensuring that the necessary checks are carried out before committing to an investment.

Walking away from the event, I felt a renewed sense of possibility. It showed me that investing across borders can be approached differently, with greater knowledge, transparency and the right professional support. It made me think beyond the stories I had heard over the years and consider the possibilities for myself. For the first time, I found myself genuinely contemplating how I could potentially invest in Ghana and be part of something that contributes to its growth and development.

It was a reminder that whilst our parents' experiences may have been shaped by disappointment and uncertainty, that doesn't mean our own experiences have to follow the same path. There is so much potential, and perhaps it's time we began looking at Ghana through a different lens, one that embraces opportunity, knowledge and the possibility of building something meaningful back home.

Perhaps the conversation is no longer simply about whether we should invest back home, but how we can do so wisely, confidently and in a way that creates lasting opportunities for generations to come.

For many of us, investing in Ghana is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about reconnecting with our roots, creating opportunities and building something that can be passed down to future generations. Our parents' experiences have taught us what can go wrong, but perhaps our generation has an opportunity to do things differently.

After all, coming home isn't just about returning to where we come from. Sometimes, it's about building something that gives future generations a reason to come home.

Written by Lawrencia Nelson