Dr. Hanna Atiase on Ghana’s Booming Real Estate Market and Diaspora Investment Opportunities
In this interview, Dr. Hanna Atiase, CEO of E.Wells Realty & Consult, shares how the company has evolved over the past three years from a Ghana-focused consultancy into a growing African real estate investment advisory firm with opportunities extending into South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. She explains how rising tourism, remote working trends, diaspora relocation, and increasing demand for quality housing across the country are fueling Ghana’s booming real estate market.
The conversation explores why more international investors and members of the diaspora are looking at Ghana as a serious property investment destination. According to Dr. Atiase, many buyers are attracted by the country’s stability, vibrant culture, strong tourism growth, and the opportunity to build long-term wealth through real estate ownership. She explains how E.Wells Realty & Consultancy guides clients through every stage of the property acquisition process, from education and due diligence to virtual tours and investment advisory support.
Dr. Atiase also discusses the launch of Ewells Homes, the company’s property development arm, which is currently working on townhouse developments in Adenta and Amanfro. The projects include modern three-bedroom homes with rooftop terraces, gardens, and premium finishes. In addition, the company is preparing a larger beachfront development in Gomoa that will feature villas, condos, and lifestyle amenities designed especially for diaspora buyers and investors looking for coastal property opportunities in Ghana.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Atiase emphasises the importance of real estate as a tool for building generational wealth. She explains that home ownership is not only part of the “American dream”, but also an emerging “African dream”, particularly for Africans in the diaspora seeking to reconnect with the continent through investment and property ownership. She highlights the growing sophistication of investors, many of whom are now diversifying their real estate portfolios across multiple African countries rather than concentrating assets in one market alone.
The interview also touches on key industry challenges and opportunities, including the importance of regulation, access to mortgage financing, and the need for more affordable housing in Ghana. Dr. Atiase notes that the introduction of improved financing options and greater industry structure is helping to increase confidence among both local and international buyers. She also discusses the company’s commitment to sustainability, including interest in eco-friendly construction materials, solar energy solutions, and modern housing designs adapted to Ghana’s tropical climate.
Beyond brokerage and development, Dr. Atiase highlights the launch of the Accra School of Real Estate, which aims to professionalise the industry through training, certification, and education. She also speaks about her television programme, The Homeowner Show on Metro TV, which helps educate the public on property ownership, investment, and real estate trends in Ghana.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atiase says E.Wells Realty & Consultancy plans to continue expanding its franchise network internationally, particularly in Houston and Atlanta, while strengthening its three core pillars: education, brokerage, and media. She concludes by encouraging investors, especially women and diaspora Africans, to look beyond negative narratives about Africa and explore the continent’s growing real estate opportunities with confidence and proper due diligence.
It has been three years since our last interview. How would you describe the current market position and growth of E. Wells Realty & Consultancy during this period?
Over the past three years, our position in the market has strengthened considerably. We now have a more established local and international footprint than we did before.
We have also expanded into other African countries, both in terms of our presence and our real estate and property investment opportunities. Three years ago, our operations were limited to Ghana. Today, we have opportunities across South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Our geographical expansion has therefore been a significant part of our growth story over this period.
That is quite impressive growth within a relatively short period. How would you describe the current state of the real estate industry in Ghana before we discuss developments in other countries?
Real estate in Ghana is currently experiencing a significant boom, driven by several converging factors.
To begin with, it is worth considering our target audience. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has become a widely embraced way of life, and Ghana has emerged as an attractive destination for those seeking to work remotely. The country offers sunshine, beautiful beaches, a rich history, and a vibrant culture, all of which make it an appealing place to live and work. This has led to a growing number of people seeking homes here, in addition to those who are retiring and looking to settle in the country.
There is also a significant housing deficit to contend with, estimated at nearly two million units, which means the demand for housing is substantial and ongoing.
Furthermore, there has been a remarkable surge in tourism. Prior to the Year of Return, Ghana was receiving approximately 330,000 visitors annually. That figure has since grown to nearly 2.4 million. With such a dramatic increase in the number of people coming into the country, the demand for accommodation and housing has risen correspondingly.
All of these factors combined point to a market with considerable momentum and opportunity.
I understand that development was not initially considered one of your core focus areas. However, during our last conversation, you mentioned that the company had begun exploring some development projects. Could you walk us through that journey and explain how it has evolved?
Following on from our previous conversation about venturing into property development, I am pleased to say that we have since launched Ewells Homes, our dedicated development wing.
We have acquired land in Adenta and Amanfro, where we are currently building four three-bedroom townhouses. These are beautifully designed homes featuring garden spaces, rooftop terraces, and a range of thoughtful finishes. We are also planning a development in Gomoa, which will take on more of a diaspora village concept, incorporating beachfront condos, villas, and more.
We are very much on track and following the path we set out for ourselves.
Today, would you describe E. Wells as primarily a consultancy, or has it evolved into a developer as well? How do you define the company’s identity now?
I would describe Ewells primarily as a real estate investment advisory firm. At its core, it is an advisory business dedicated to guiding clients through every aspect of property investment.
Whether you are looking to purchase, rent, or lease a property, be it commercial, residential, or land, we are able to assist. We also have farmlands and operational farms on our books. For those of the baby boomer generation who are approaching retirement but whose children have no interest in taking over the family farm, we connect them with investors who can either co-invest or take over the farm entirely on their behalf.
In addition, we have a presence in the hospitality space, with hotels also forming part of our portfolio.
In short, E. Wells is the gateway to your real estate investment opportunities in Ghana.
You mentioned expansion and the possibility of franchising into other regions and countries. Could you elaborate on those plans and the vision behind that growth strategy?
We are now ready to franchise. The groundwork has been completed, including franchise disclosure documents, standard operating procedures, and a comprehensive strategy. We are actively seeking franchise partners in two key locations in the United States, namely Houston and Atlanta.
The thinking behind this is straightforward. If you want to purchase a property in Ghana, where do you turn? With our franchise model, you will be able to walk into an E. Wells Realty office in Houston or Atlanta, sit down with a real estate investment advisor, and be guided through the entire home-buying process from start to finish. All of this will be backed by dedicated support on the ground here in Ghana, ensuring a seamless experience from wherever you are in the world.
If I were a potential client walking into your office, could you walk me through the typical process of acquiring a property in Ghana through E. Wells Realty & Consultancy?
The first step in our process is education. Many people are aware that the opportunities exist in Ghana, but they are unsure how to access them or do not have a trusted gateway through which to do so.
When you walk into one of our offices, we begin by educating you on the home-buying process in Ghana. We walk you through the due diligence process and then work with you to identify the right property based on your financial goals. Are you seeking capital appreciation? Are you looking for passive income? Understanding your objectives is central to how we guide you.
From there, we present you with a range of suitable properties and connect you with real estate investment advisors here in Ghana who can take you on a virtual tour. Alternatively, you are welcome to book a trip, meet with a property advisor on the ground in Ghana, and experience the property in person. This close collaboration with our local partners ensures that clients receive comprehensive support at every stage of the process, regardless of where in the world they are based.
Looking back over the past few years, how would you describe the impact and milestones the company has achieved so far? Additionally, could you highlight some of the notable companies or clients you have worked with?
One of the highlights for us has been the awards we have received. Over the past three years, we have won numerous awards, not only locally but internationally as well, including recognition in the United States, the United Kingdom, and at the House of Lords as one of the Top 100 Emerging Businesses. We have also received awards in Ethiopia and Nigeria. So, receiving international recognition has certainly been a major highlight.
However, I believe the most important achievement has been the number of people we have helped to own homes, because one of the greatest ways to build generational wealth is through real estate. We encourage this one house at a time, helping people reconnect with their roots, and one of the best ways to do that is through home ownership in the motherland.
The incredible testimonies and stories we have heard over the past three years have been truly inspiring. We have been able to help people reclaim the land from which their ancestors were taken during the transatlantic slave trade, and now they are returning and reclaiming that connection.
At the Cape Coast dungeon, there is the inscription, “The Door of No Return.”
Well, they are returning. They are returning in a big way.
Those are some of the greatest highlights for us.
What would you say is E. Wells Realty & Consultancy’s unique selling proposition, and what key value do you believe sets the company apart for prospective clients?
At its heart, what we are doing is building generational wealth through real estate in Ghana, one home at a time. We are all familiar with the concept of the American dream, which is rooted in the idea of home ownership. But we also have an African dream, a Ghanaian dream, and it is equally founded on the principle of building wealth through real estate.
That is our unique selling point. We help you align your investments with your generational wealth goals, right here on the continent.
Beyond the opportunities you mentioned, what do you see as the main challenges facing home ownership in Ghana today?
There are several things worth highlighting here. Real estate is an industry that touches everyone, as housing is a universal need. However, for a long time, the industry in Ghana operated without adequate regulation, and that presented significant challenges.
One of the highlights I am particularly proud of is that my co-founder and I established the Accra School of Real Estate, the first institution of its kind in the country. We are equipping people with the knowledge they need to obtain their certifications and apply for their licences, in line with the regulatory framework that is now being put in place. For years, the market was chaotic, with no clear rules or standards. The introduction of regulation has been a turning point, as it is building consumer confidence and bringing much-needed structure to the industry.
Another challenge has been access to capital. High mortgage rates and the requirement for a 20% deposit created a significant barrier to entry for many prospective buyers. The good news is that 100% mortgage financing is now available, which is a remarkable development. There are also more mortgage options for members of the diaspora, as well as for local buyers, and that represents tremendous progress.
Affordable housing is another area that deserves attention. We define affordable housing as properties priced under GHS750,000, which is approximately $75,000. We currently have several developments on the market that fall within this bracket, with two-bedroom units starting at GHS550,000. Opportunities at that price point are rare, and we believe this represents an extraordinary prospect for buyers at every level.
Could you give us an overview of your client base and the types of clientele E. Wells Realty & Consultancy typically serves?
Our client base spans the full spectrum of the market. We work with clients who are seeking affordable housing as well as those at the higher end of the market. We are committed to serving both. At the end of the day, our ultimate goal is simply to get people into homes.
You began with developments in Adenta and Amanfro, and now you have your sights set on Gomoa. Will Gomoa also be townhouse projects, and are you pursuing these developments independently or with company and investment partners?
The Gomoa development is a beachfront project, and as such, it will feature villas, condos, and a range of beachfront amenities. It is set to be a larger-scale development, though we are beginning with the first phase.
On the construction side, we have partnered with a leading construction firm here in Ghana. In terms of financing, we are working with a venture capital firm based in Canada that is funding the project. We have therefore secured strong strategic partners across both fronts to bring this development to life.
I understand you are also involved in real estate investment. How has that segment performed over the period, and have you seen an increase in investors coming through E. Wells Realty & Consultancy?
We are attracting a growing number of investors, and encouragingly, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This is a very positive development, as more and more people are looking to grow and diversify their real estate portfolios.
There is a clear shift in mindset amongst investors. Rather than concentrating all their properties in a single country, they are seeking options across multiple markets. The desire for diversification is driven in part by a need for security, knowing that should circumstances change in one country, they have assets elsewhere to fall back on.
As a result, we are seeing a significant and steady increase in investor interest, which is a very encouraging sign for the market.
Given Ghana’s tropical climate, what are your views on designing homes that are better suited to our weather conditions and environment?
It is really a matter of both preference and practicality. For instance, when building in a coastal environment such as a beachfront location, it is important to select the right building materials, given the corrosive effects of salt air and moisture on certain structures. That consideration alone can significantly influence the choice of materials.
At the same time, there is a growing wave of creativity in the building materials space. We are seeing the introduction of rammed earth construction, recycled plastic, and a revival of bamboo as a building material, amongst other innovations. These alternatives are gaining traction as people become more conscious of sustainability and design.
That said, the preference among many local Ghanaians remains firmly with conventional construction methods, particularly cement and steel rod structures, which continue to be the most trusted and widely used approach in the country.
There is also a growing interest in sustainable living. Homeowners and developers alike are increasingly exploring off-grid solar solutions and the use of materials that naturally regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on air conditioning. This shift towards more eco-friendly homes reflects a broader awareness of environmental responsibility and the long-term cost benefits of sustainable design.
Beyond the franchising initiatives, are there any other projects or developments that E. Wells Realty & Consultancy is currently undertaking?
The Accra School of Real Estate has been a significant milestone for us. It is worth noting that our journey in training and education began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when we started delivering training sessions, masterclasses, and workshops. We have now been doing this for six years. However, it was in 2025 that we formally established the Accra School of Real Estate.
We currently have a cohort underway, following a comprehensive six-week curriculum. I serve as one of the lead facilitators, and to date, we have trained over 400 individuals in real estate. This is certainly one of the most notable things we have launched in recent years.
Another exciting development is the Homeowner Show, which I host on Metro TV every Saturday at 6 p.m. I am currently in my second season, and the topics we cover are wide-ranging and engaging. It has been a wonderful platform for bringing real estate conversations to a broader audience.
Looking ahead over the next three to five years, where do you envision E. Wells, and how would you like to see the company evolve?
I am beginning to see the vision unfold, particularly with regard to the franchise model. E. Wells is built on three core pillars.
The first is education, which is what many people know us for. This encompasses our first-time home buyers programme in Ghana, our webinars, and the various educational platforms we have developed to guide people through the property investment journey.
The second pillar is our brokerage, and the third pillar is media.
These are the three pillars we are committed to growing and expanding. Looking ahead, my ambition over the next three years is to see two to three solid Ewells franchise locations firmly established, specifically in Houston, Atlanta, and Cape Coast.
What is the timeline for completing the developments at Adenta and Amanfro? Could you share an update on their expected completion schedules?
Yeah. Yeah, they will be done in the next 14 to 16 months.
We expect the developments to be completed within the next 14 to 16 months.
Is there anything you would like to share that we may not have touched on during this conversation, perhaps something you are particularly passionate about or would like the audience to know?
I would say that there is currently a tremendous spotlight on Africa and the continent as a whole. I would definitely encourage people to move beyond the negative narratives and the fear associated with investing on the continent because there is a first-mover advantage. People should visit the continent, conduct their own feasibility studies, carry out due diligence, and then explore the opportunities to invest, because the yields and returns are higher.
I particularly want to encourage women. In Ghana, we know that only 8% of women own property, and while this is often influenced by traditional and cultural mindsets, I want to encourage more women to invest in property.
On a broader level, I want to encourage people to see buying a home as more than simply purchasing a house, but as building generational wealth. That would be my encouragement to everyone.