Investing In Ghana 1995 -2010

An investment in a first class estate development project in the country usually demands external partners in order to succeed. But that was not in the case of Finali Limited, developer of the plush Airport Hills residential area who is currently without a competitor in the country.

The company which reached its 15-year milestone in April, is the brain child of Mr. Kofi Gbedema, the son of a great statesman and Ghana’s First Finance Minister, Komla Agbeli Gbedema and his wife Esi Gbedema, daughter of the late Legend of African Labour and Ghanaian Trade Unionist, John K. Tettegah. The dynamic duo have managed to carve a big niche for themselves in the real estate industry and are in their own way, making a difference and contributing to the development of the country as their fathers did.

Finali is a pioneer in the real estate development industry in Ghana. It is the only company that caters only to those who wish to design and build a custom home within a gated master-planned and covenant controlled community.

Incorporated in 1995, the Company made an initial investment in 45 acres of land located in the East Airport vicinity of Accra. The land was offered to the couple barely a week after moving to what was then their new home in a nearby area within the same vicinity. They acquired the land because they recognized the area as the best remaining residential site in Accra. Following strategic and additional acquisitions over the years, the company has successfully tucked away thousands of acres of land in its Land Bank; and is currently set to extend its tentacles outside the capital city as it continues to acquire large tracts of land and invest in other regions.

Today, its exclusive Airport Hills development is the most sought after gated community in the country. It is so because the company has put in place well-tailored structures that make the development “a paradise in concert with nature”. The unique setting and location, with its collection of separate, distinctive buildings distinguishes it from the rest.

It has a commercial park named ‘The Promenade’ at Airport Hills, which is home to the world-class Lister Medical Center. Platinum Orthodontic And Dental Services is currently under construction and expected to open its doors for business in June 2011. A diagnostic center, health spa, organic grocery store and gourmet bakery amongst other businesses will be located there. Membership is by invitation or recommendation only.

The Company’s focus on quality infrastructure and enforcement of its (CC&R’s) Covenants, Conditions, and Rules, has given it one of the best forms of advertising there is; good word-of-mouth comments and referrals from Clients. In all of its 15 years, the company has not advertised and yet has a waitlist.

The company’s success is a direct result of its participation in every aspect of its developments and operations, from Land Acquisition and Security of Title to Layout Design, Space Planning, Infrastructure Construction and Management. It has a solid team, with over 100 years of total experience.

The Team consists of dedicated Finali staff with an average length of service of 10 years and a combination of highly skilled professionals such as Planning and Development Consultants, Market and Financial Analysts, Chartered Accountants, Architects, Surveyors, Engineers and Lawyers. Its strength is built around its blend of both local and international knowledge and networks.

In September 2009, the company was honored with the prestigious “Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Excellence in Enterprise Award”. The Award is given to companies with track records of outstanding performance in Enterprise. In nominating Finali for the Award, The West Africa International and Nkrumah-Vision-Alive Movement took into consideration the company’s non-compromising and result oriented approach to excellence and the CEO’s visionary leadership qualities, courage and fortitude in creating and managing Airport Hills.

In the recent past, similar Awards have been presented to a few illustrious West Africans and distinguished Companies in West Africa that have made the various sectors they operate in proud, by their extraordinary, distinct achievements in those sectors.

In a recent report by the Bilingual Free Press, Finali was named amongst Ghana’s Twenty Most Enterprising Businesses, placing it in the company of some of the country’s most prominent Institutions and personalities. The report was based on comprehensive analyses of events and issues in the country’s corporate world with particular attention to the companies’ distinguished contributions to job creation, humanitarian services, corporate responsibility, patriotism and overall contributions to the national economy.

Alisa Hotels, Antrak Group, Blue Skies Company, Center Of Languages & Professional Studies, Databank Group, Finatrade Group, Ghana Made Co., Melcom Group Of Companies, MTN, Multimedia Group, Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, rLG Communications, Stanbic Bank, Sidalco, Shekhinah Clinic, UT Bank, Valley View University, Zain and Zoomlion Ghana make up the notable list.

“Finali’s humble beginnings can be traced to April 1995, when we were offered the first parcel of land. Initially, we weren’t sure what to do because we had relocated to Ghana with a different agenda and besides we didn’t have any experience in land management or real estate development. A visit to the site is all it took. We knew the location was too good to pass on and made the decision to go for it.

Determination, Persistence, Late nights and lots of prayers kept us going. And like most pioneers, Finali endured its fair share of skepticism and detraction along the way, but Skeptics and Detractors did not discourage us, they inspired us. That inspiration prevails today at Finali.” said Executive Director Mrs. Esi Gbedema.

Under the leadership of CEO Mr. Kofi Gbedema, Finali has evolved into a premier real estate development company and during this period, the company has extended its hands well beyond its headquarters in Aviation House by supporting communities, Charities and dedicated Non-Profit Organizations. Its philanthropic activities include payment of fees for less privileged but bright students and the provision of cash funding for payment of medical bills for needy senior citizens and children with special surgery needs.

To mark the anniversary, Mr. Kofi Gbedema has challenged the entire Finali team, as well as all friends of Finali, to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours of service to his or her local community while the company broadens its share of social responsibility.
“We celebrate our 15th anniversary with pride in all our achievements and with optimism and renewed energy for our future developments and community service,” said Kofi Gbedema , “Lending a helping hand is part of our culture.”

Finali Limited is ready and poised for the next 15 years; to explore new investment opportunities and give a new face to Real Estate development in the country; one that will positively shape the future of the industry by creating master-planned communities that will generate unprecedented value and opportunity throughout Ghana.

Source: B&FT