Developers in Ghana’s booming property sector must prioritise sustainability or risk being left behind, according to Francis Okoh Okai, Group CEO of Devtraco Group, one of Ghana’s most prominent real estate companies.
“Most development financing organisations are giving funds to developers doing ESG projects and green buildings,” Okai told TN Africa in an exclusive interview. “Sustainability is central to our future as a business.”
His comments reflect a broader shift in global real estate finance, where institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are increasingly directing capital toward environmentally certified projects. Devtraco is responding to that trend by pursuing EDGE certification, a green building standard, for its newly launched Arlo project in Accra, he said.
“With renewable energy integration, climate-resilient design, and eco-friendly construction, we are committed to being part of long-term solutions,” Okai added.
He noted that rapid urbanisation in Ghana presents both challenges and opportunities: growing demand for housing must now be balanced with environmental and climate considerations.
“It will be in our interest … to come out with concepts that are sustainable to our ecosystem,” he explained.
Devtraco’s Legacy and Sustainable Vision
Devtraco Group has been a fixture in Ghana’s real estate market for over three decades, delivering projects across residential, commercial, construction, property management, and hospitality segments. The company has established several subsidiaries, including Devtraco Plus (luxury and premium properties), Devtraco Limited (main property development), Fabrico Builders (construction), Talis Property Management, Landmark Restaurants Limited, and Devtraco Foundation. 
Its flagship estate, Devtraco Courts, is one of Ghana’s largest master-planned communities, spanning more than 205 acres in Tema Community 25 with over 1,300 developed units and rich community infrastructure. 
More recently, its subsidiary Devtraco Plus has rolled out projects like The Address in Roman Ridge, a luxury residential, vacation, and hotel apartment development, reflecting a spectrum of offerings from core housing to high-end living.
Industry analysts highlight that Devtraco’s broad portfolio positions it well to pioneer sustainable practices across housing types, from affordable homes to premium communities, using eco-responsive designs and energy-efficient solutions that reduce long-term environmental impact.
Sustainability and Market Trends
The increasing global emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards is reshaping investment flows into real estate globally — and Ghana is no exception. Developers who adopt energy-efficient building practices and climate-resilient features stand to attract both institutional capital and local demand from buyers who value sustainability.
By integrating green building principles and certifications into development pipelines, Okai says, companies can help ensure housing supply responds not only to economic and demographic needs but also to environmental realities shaping the future of urban Africa.
