A New Vision for Living in Aburi: Where Nature, Community and Investment Meet

The successful launch of Runnymede Haven by Signum Development marks a defining moment in Ghana’s evolving residential real estate landscape. Officially unveiled on 12 December 2025 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, the event brought together a distinguished audience of corporate leaders, property buyers, institutional partners, investors, and media, all drawn by a shared interest in a new way of living, investing, and retiring beyond the congestion of the capital. Set in Aburi, one of Ghana’s most scenic and increasingly sought-after locations, Runnymede Haven has been conceived as more than a residential development. It is a response to shifting lifestyles, changing investment priorities, and a growing demand for wellness-led, community-focused living.

A Launch That Reflected a Changing Market

The atmosphere at the launch was professional yet warm, reflecting the ethos of the project itself. Central to the evening was a keynote address by Mr Kofi D. Asomaning, a highly respected real estate investment professional with over two decades of experience across capital markets, development management, asset management, and architecture. His remarks framed the broader urban and investment context in which Runnymede Haven has been developed.

“Accra is a mono-centric city. We need to consider how we live, how we invest and how we retire,” he noted, highlighting the pressures facing Ghana’s capital. Asomaning explained that across the world, mono-centric cities naturally give rise to peripheral migration, driven not only by distance, but by the search for peace, opportunity, and a better quality of life. It is within this global pattern that Aburi, and developments such as Runnymede Haven, find their relevance.

Responding to How Buyers Want to Live Today

Runnymede Haven was created in direct response to extensive market research and buyer insights. Increasingly, buyers expressed a desire to step away from the intensity of Accra, even if only for short periods, to rest, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Others were looking for second homes, retirement options, or investments that could generate income today while securing long-term stability. “As a 35–65 year old this is a strategic decision for you,” Asomaning explained during his keynote. “A second home, especially one outside of Accra, gives you income today, security tomorrow, a retirement home later, a hedge against inflation, and a buffer against the uncertainty of pensions and social security.”

This dual lifestyle and investment logic sits at the heart of Runnymede Haven. Rather than forcing buyers to choose between emotional fulfilment and financial prudence, the development has been designed to deliver both. “This is not just an emotional decision, it’s a financial one,” he added. “It solves two problems at once: how do I invest smartly for the next decade, and how do I retire comfortably with dignity?”

Live. Connect. Retreat.

The philosophy of Runnymede Haven is built around three pillars: Live. Connect. Retreat. These principles inform every aspect of the design, from architecture and unit layouts to amenities and community spaces.

Homes have been optimised for comfortable, everyday living. Apartments start from 46 square metres and are thoughtfully planned with functional storage, generous layouts, and a range of unit typologies to suit different needs. Double balconies, large windows, and careful orientation maximise natural light, ventilation, and fresh air, allowing residents to fully experience Aburi’s cooler climate and natural surroundings.

Community at Runnymede Haven is intentionally cultivated rather than imposed. More than 12 amenities and shared spaces have been woven into the development to encourage organic interaction and a genuine sense of belonging. These include social areas such as a clubhouse, leisure facilities including a pool and rooftop garden, and practical conveniences such as a convenience store, which makes everyday life easier while fostering connection among residents.

Equally important is the ability to retreat. Nature-integrated design ensures that greenery is not an afterthought but a central feature of the development. The project’s serene setting, natural views, and architecture that blends seamlessly into the landscape allow residents to disconnect from the stress of city life. Whether as a primary residence, weekend escape, or future retirement home, Runnymede Haven offers a place to slow down without feeling isolated.

A Strong Focus on Wellness and Design

Wellness-focused amenities include a dedicated wellness hub with a gym, sauna, and spa, as well as a swimming pool and multipurpose court. These facilities support both physical and mental well-being, aligning with the broader shift toward health-conscious living.

Purposefully designed communal spaces further enhance the lifestyle offering. Unique features such as a rooftop garden with an open-air grill, a café, restaurant, convenience shop, and an on-site medical clinic ensure that residents have access to essential services and social spaces within a secure, well-managed environment.

Strategic Partnerships That Build Confidence

Runnymede Haven’s credibility is reinforced through carefully selected strategic partnerships. For medical services, the development has partnered with Olive Health Physicians and Surgeons Group, an American-standard hospital based in Cantonments, to provide on-site medical care. In addition, the West African Rescue Association (WARA) will support medical evacuations and urgent care services, offering residents peace of mind and an added layer of security.

Quality and longevity have also been prioritised through partnerships with trusted suppliers. Neuce Paints will provide high-quality materials selected for durability, comfort, and aesthetic harmony with Aburi’s natural environment. As noted by Antoinette Okyere, Marketing Communications Manager at Neuce Paints Ghana, materials have been carefully chosen to ensure lasting value and peace of mind for homeowners.

Discussions are also underway with authentically Ghanaian restaurant brands and reputable convenience store operators to occupy on-site commercial spaces. This approach ensures residents enjoy easy access to trusted dining options and daily essentials without compromising the development’s character or security.

Why Aburi, and Why Now?

Aburi’s appeal lies in a rare combination of climate, scenery, accessibility, and growth potential. Located approximately 45 minutes from Accra, it offers a noticeably cooler climate, lush greenery, and panoramic views that contrast sharply with the congestion of the capital. Once considered primarily a leisure destination, Aburi is rapidly gaining recognition as a viable residential and investment location.

For many buyers, particularly those in the diaspora, Aburi represents the ideal balance between proximity and escape. It allows residents to remain close enough to Accra for work or business, while enjoying a calmer, healthier lifestyle. As demand grows, property values and rental yields are increasingly expected to mirror those of prime Accra neighbourhoods, without the associated stress.

As Asomaning observed during the launch, “Accra and the city won’t change overnight. The traffic will not magically disappear, the land prices will not suddenly fall, and the stress will not stop increasing. But you have power over one thing: where you choose to live, and where you choose to invest.”

A Shift Toward a New Way of Living

The launch of Runnymede Haven signals a broader shift in Ghana’s residential market. It reflects a move away from purely urban, high-density living toward developments that prioritise wellness, community, and long-term sustainability. In doing so, it positions Aburi as one of Ghana’s fastest-rising lifestyle destinations, attracting not only homeowners but also investors seeking resilient, future-proof assets.

Developed by Signum Development, a Ghanaian project management firm and real estate developer with a decade of experience, Runnymede Haven builds on a proven track record of delivering quality residential and commercial projects across Accra and beyond. With developments completed in Tse Addo, Haatso, Oyarifa, Dansoman, and Labone, and upcoming projects in Nungua and Aburi, Signum Development continues to shape Ghana’s built environment with a focus on value, quality, and thoughtful design.

For those who were unable to attend the launch, the event is available to watch online, and further information about the project can be found at www.runnymedehaven.com. As awareness grows, Runnymede Haven stands as a compelling example of how nature, community, and investment can come together to redefine living in Ghana.