Ghana has been doing well economically with a growth rate of 13.5 percent since 2012 and is expected to achieve at least over 8.3 percent by this year. With this growth, several people have also seen their personal fortunes multiply. The country is yet to have one of their own in Africa’s top ten richest men, a list dominated by Nigerians, South Africans, Egyptians, and Moroccans.
Anyway, the following are estimates of the wealth of the 10 richest men in Ghana:
10. Mr. Koffi Wayo
Mr. Koffi Wayo is estimated to be worth USD 30 million. He launched into the gun business early in life and, it is believed that he is making millions every year through rifle and pistol sales.
9. Jerry John Rawlings
Former President Jerry Rawlings is estimated to be worth USD 50 million. He ascended to the presidency in 1993 and served until 2001. It is believed that Jerry made most of his wealth through various business deals and income from various top government jobs.
8. Mr. Kwadwo Adjei Darko
The prominent politician is estimated to be worth USD 150 million. Mr. Kwadwo has served in various top government positions as a minister. He previously headed the ministries of mines and that of local government and rural development as well as serving as a Member of Parliament.
7. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie
The medical doctor has invested heavily in cocoa plantations, cola, and oil palm. He is estimated to be worth USD 180 million. A graduate of the University of Ghana Medical School, Dr. Kwaku also holds a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, U.S.A. He has also served as a minister of the Ghana government in various capacities such as Health, Lands, Forestry, and Mines. He chaired the Electricity Company of Ghana board and also owns a private clinic.
6. Dr. Kwesi Botchwey
The law professor is estimated to be worth USD 200 million. With an LLM from Yale Law School and a Ph.D. from Michigan Law School, the professor has taught at various universities in Africa including the University of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, the University of Zambia, Tufts University, U.S.A, and the University of Ghana. He has also served as a director at Harvard University as well as Minister of Finance from 1982-1995.
5. Dr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo
Dr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo is estimated to be worth USD 220 million. Although he trained as an engineer, the former MP made his mark in the financial sector by positively turning around the fortunes of two major banks in Ghana: The National Investment Bank and the Housing and Construction Bank. He is also a consultant with the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and UNDP. He has also served on the boards of various companies in different capacities.
4. Nana Akufo-Addo
Prominent politician and 2012 presidential aspirant Nana Akufo-Addo is estimated to be worth USD 250 million. He is a career lawyer having earned his credentials at the Inns of Court School of Law, UK, immediately after studying Economics at the University of Ghana. He has worked with several law firms both abroad and in Ghana. Nana is a founding partner of Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co firm. He has also served on the boards of various business, legal, and governmental establishments as well as serving as an MP.
3. Dr. Kwesi Nduom
Dr. Kwesi Nduom, who is popularly known as Paa Kwesi Nduom is estimated to worth USD 300 million. He launched his career as an insurance underwriter in 1975 with North Western Mutual Life Insurance Company before joining Blue Cross Shield in Wisconsin, U.S.A. He briefly worked with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District in 1979 and moved to Deloitte and Touche in 1981 working as an associate consultant before gaining a stake in the company five years later as a partner. He helped to put up Deloitte and Touche West Africa. Dr. Nduom owns several assets including First National Savings and Loans, Coconut Grove Hotels, Gold Coast Investments, among other real estates. He holds a Ph.D. in Service Delivery Systems.
2. Dr. Sam E. Jonah
He is estimated to be worth USD 650 million. Dr. Sam Jonah heads Jonah Capital as the executive chairman. The company deals in different kinds of businesses and ventures including mining, agriculture, oil, gas, real estate, finance, and has its headquarters in South Africa.
Dr. Jonah launched his career in the early 70s and joined Ashanti Goldfields in 1979 rising through the ranks to become the CEO. He steered the company to greater heights ensuring that it became the first African corporation on the NYSE.
He currently chairs several boards including that of Scharrig Mining, Equator Exploration Ltd, Uramin, Equinox Ltd, Range Resources and Moto Goldmines Ltd. In addition to that, the man serves on the boards of Lonmin, Standard Bank of South Africa, Transnet, Ashesi University, among others. He is also a former president of AngloGold Ashanti which has its headquarters in South Africa.
1. Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor
Number one on this list of 10 richest men in Ghana is Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor. The brother of former President John Kufuor is estimated to be worth USD 1.2 billion. The medical doctor and politician is adamant that he is not that rich but he owns vast luxurious properties and has also served as Minister of Defense in his brother’s government.
