'Africa is new frontier for real estate' — Amoakohene urges trust to unlock investment boom
CEO of Virtual Hub Entertainment Ghana Limited, James Kweku Safo Amoakohene has framed Africa as the next major global frontier for real estate investment, emphasizing its vast untapped potential and growing relevance on the world stage.
He described the continent as a space where bold ideas can evolve into large-scale developments, with Ghana positioned as a key player ready to attract investors and partnerships.
Through his company, Virtual Hub Entertainment Ghana Limited, he highlighted the role of strategic visibility and storytelling in drawing attention to opportunities that can drive economic transformation.
However, he stressed that Africa’s rise as a real estate powerhouse hinges on one critical factor: trust.
Event
Mr Amoakohene was speaking at the Africa Real Estate Festival (AREF) 2026, which opened in Accra last Sunday.
The two-day event is organised by Africa Real Estate Festival in collaboration with Nilex Properties, Goldkey Properties, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, and the Real Estate Agency Council.
The event is being held under the theme “Innovation Meets Identity: Designing Africa’s Next Living Experience.”
It has brought together policymakers, real estate developers, investors, architects, planners, prop-tech innovators, representatives from government institutions, and stakeholders from across Africa.
Disputes and legal uncertainty
Mr Amoakohene mentioned that persistent concerns around land ownership, disputes and legal uncertainty continue to undermine investor confidence.
According to him, no serious investor will commit resources in an environment marked by ambiguity and risk.
In Ghana, he observed, the first question potential buyers ask is not about price but about legitimacy and safety — whether land is free from disputes or “land guards.”
This lack of trust, he argued, discourages serious investors and limits the sector’s expansion.
"Africa's realestate future is BIG. But it will only grow where there is trust because the moment someone says "I have land" here in Ghana, the first question is not "how much?" but rather is it safe?"
"That is to say, is it litigation and land guards free and that right there is the problem we must fix because no serious investor will bring money into confusion, no serious investor will invest in land with disputes, fear, or uncertainty," he said.
Strong institutions
Mr Amoakohene underscored the importance of strong institutions in resolving these challenges.
He called on law enforcement, the judiciary, and regulatory bodies to take decisive action in ensuring transparency, protecting property rights, and eliminating land-related conflicts.
Without these reforms, he warned, attracting significant and sustainable investment would remain difficult.
In conclusion, his message highlighted that while Africa’s real estate future is promising, its success depends on building a reliable system anchored in trust, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.
"This is not just another conference. This is not just another gathering. This is where the future is being designed. This is where ideas become empires. And Ghana is ready! he said.
