Table of Contents
Key Points
- Daniel Ofori’s diversified portfolio spans banking, real estate, and insurance, shaping Ghana's economic growth.
- Anthony Oteng-Gyasi has bolstered Ghana’s manufacturing and financial sectors, strengthening infrastructure.
- Patricia Poku-Diaby has turned Ghana into a global shea butter hub, boosting agro-processing.
Over the past few decades, Ghana has seen the rise of influential business figures like Ibrahim Mahama, Daniel Ofori, and Sam Jonah, whose ventures have helped transform the country into a key player in West Africa’s economy. With a GDP exceeding $75 billion and an annual growth rate that outpaces many of its regional peers, Ghana has become an attractive destination for investment in banking, energy, technology, and manufacturing.
At the heart of this economic growth are Ghana’s most prominent business leaders—entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-dollar enterprises, created thousands of jobs, and positioned the country as a hub for commerce and innovation. Their businesses span traditional industries such as real estate, agriculture, and mining, while also making strides in fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications. Beyond their corporate success, many of these leaders are also driving social change through investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
But their journeys have not been without challenges. From navigating Ghana’s complex regulatory environment to securing capital and competing in global markets, these entrepreneurs have had to be resilient and adaptable. Their ability to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities has shaped entire industries, proving that strategic thinking and persistence can fuel long-term success.
Figures like Daniel Ofori, whose banking and real estate ventures have reshaped the financial landscape, Oteng-Gyasi, a powerhouse in manufacturing, and Sam Jonah, a trailblazer in mining, have left a lasting impact. Ghana’s wealthiest woman, Patricia Poku-Diaby, has also made her mark, turning her agro-processing empire into a leader in the global shea butter market. Each of these business moguls has played a role in redefining their sectors and strengthening Ghana’s economic standing.
As Ghana continues to grow as a business and investment hub, these leaders remain at the forefront, driving industrial expansion, pioneering technological advancements, and reinforcing the country’s place in global markets. Their success stories not only shape Ghana’s present but also serve as inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs, proving that with vision and determination, the country’s business potential is limitless.
Billionaires.Africa highlights Ghana’s 10 influential business moguls, showcasing their achievements, industries, and contributions to society.
- Daniel Ofori
Daniel Ofori is the wealthiest investor on the Ghana Stock Exchange, commanding a diversified investment portfolio that includes banking, insurance, retail, and real estate. His key holdings encompass a 7.49% stake in GCB Bank, a 3.9% stake in CalBank, and 6.78% in Société Générale Ghana. Ofori also owns significant shares in SIC Insurance, bolstering his presence in Ghana's insurance industry. As the leader of White Chapel Holdings, a prominent apparel retail chain, and Advance Ventures Limited, a major real estate firm, Ofori's investments play a key role in Ghana's economic development. His strategic focus on long-term growth solidifies his legacy as a powerhouse in Ghana's corporate scene.
- Ibrahim Mahama
Ibrahim Mahama, the younger brother of Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, is a dominant force in Ghana’s business community, with significant ventures spanning mining, cement, and agriculture. He founded Engineers and Planners (E&P), the largest indigenous mining company in West Africa, and operates Dzata Cement, a fully Ghanaian-owned factory with an annual capacity of 2 million tonnes. His Asutsuare Poultry Farms supplies a large portion of the country’s poultry needs. Mahama’s philanthropy and investment in job creation and infrastructure underscore his significant impact on Ghana’s industrial landscape.
- Anthony Oteng-Gyasi
A key figure in Ghana’s industrial and financial sectors, Anthony Oteng-Gyasi is the founder of Tropical Cable and Conductor Ltd. His substantial portfolio on the Ghana Stock Exchange includes stakes in Mega African Capital, Benso Oil Palm Plantation, and Enterprise Group. Oteng-Gyasi has also contributed to strengthening Ghana’s infrastructure and financial markets, serving two terms on the Ghana Stock Exchange Council. His leadership and commitment to economic growth make him a pivotal player in the country’s industrialization.
- Patricia Poku Diaby
Patricia Poku Diaby is Ghana’s wealthiest woman and the founder and CEO of Plot Enterprise Group, a multinational commodities trading and processing giant. She built her fortune with a cocoa processing facility in Takoradi, later expanding into Côte d'Ivoire. Her company processes thousands of metric tons of cocoa annually, establishing her as a dominant force in the global cocoa market. Through her strategic expansion and vision, Poku Diaby has positioned Ghana as a top cocoa exporter while driving industrial growth across the region.
- Kwabena Darko
Kwabena Darko is the founder of Darko Farms & Co. Ltd., Ghana’s largest privately-owned agro-industrial enterprise. As a pioneer in West Africa’s poultry industry, Darko’s contributions to Ghana’s agribusiness are significant. He has also held notable positions, including at the Bank of Ghana and Opportunity International’s Global Network. His philanthropy and leadership within his church further highlight his broad influence, making him a central figure in Ghana’s economic transformation.
- Osei Kwame Despite
Osei Kwame Despite is the founder of Despite Group, a leading conglomerate in Ghana. His media holdings include several popular radio stations and UTV, a major television network. Despite’s investments also span manufacturing, real estate, and salt production, positioning him as a key figure in multiple sectors. His charitable initiatives focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, making him not just a business mogul, but a philanthropist with a profound impact on community development.
- Nana Kwame Bediako
Nana Kwame Bediako, known as Freedom Jacob Caesar, is a Ghanaian real estate magnate and philanthropist. As the founder of Kwarleyz Group, he has transformed the urban landscape with landmark developments such as Wonda World Estate and the upcoming Petronia City. Bediako’s ventures span real estate, finance, and property management, and his vision extends to politics, with a focus on youth empowerment and industrialization.
- Papa Kwesi Nduom
Papa Kwesi Nduom is the founder of Groupe Nduom, a diverse conglomerate with interests in banking, hospitality, media, and real estate. His notable businesses include GN Bank and Coconut Grove Hotels. Beyond business, Nduom is committed to philanthropy, particularly in education and entrepreneurship, helping to enhance access to education through scholarships and infrastructure development. Nduom’s resilience and strategic leadership continue to drive his company’s expansion and influence across Ghana.
Samuel Esson Jonah is the Chairman of Jonah Capital, an influential private equity firm. With investments across mining, agriculture, and financial services, Jonah has promoted sustainable development throughout Africa. His leadership in micro-lending and affordable housing has had a direct impact on economic stability and job creation across the continent. Beyond business, Jonah has served on numerous international boards and advised African leaders, solidifying his legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and social change agent.
- Nabil Edmond Moukarzel
Nabil Edmond Moukarzel, the Largest Shareholder of Finatrade Group, is a prominent figure in Ghana’s FMCG sector. With a diverse portfolio spanning commodities and frozen foods, Finatrade’s subsidiaries distribute and market a range of essential products, including vegetable oil, rice, sugar, cocoa, and dairy. Moukarzel’s strategic leadership has played a key role in the company’s growth, establishing it as a leader in Ghana’s thriving consumer goods industry. His business acumen and contributions to the sector make him a key player in the African economy.
