Mr. Okatakyie Yaw Afrifa is a dynamic entrepreneur and a leading figure in Ghana’s real estate sector. His journey into the industry was shaped by both his academic background and real-world experiences.
He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Marketing/Marketing Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. His strong foundation in marketing has played a pivotal role in his ability to position and grow his business in Ghana’s competitive real estate market.
Afrifa’s professional journey began in marketing. From 2012 to 2016, he worked as a Marketing Executive at Lacdan, where he played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s marketing strategies. His tenure saw a 40% increase in lead generation, achieved through a mix of traditional and digital marketing initiatives, including social media campaigns and search engine optimization (SEO). His ability to analyze data and adjust strategies in real-time significantly enhanced Lacdan’s brand visibility and customer engagement.
Despite his success in marketing, Afrifa’s true calling lay elsewhere. His transition into real estate was anything but conventional. In 2016, fresh out of university, he was tasked with managing a failing apartment project—a challenge that would change his career trajectory forever. Lacking extensive industry experience but armed with determination and vision, Afrifa successfully turned the project around, learning valuable lessons about construction, project management, and the real estate business along the way.
Following this transformative experience, Afrifa founded Locus Real Estate in 2017, setting out to redefine modern housing in Ghana. What started as a single project quickly evolved into one of Ghana’s premier real estate companies, specializing in luxury apartments, townhouses, and mixed-use developments.
As CEO, Afrifa has been hands-on in driving the company’s expansion. Under his leadership, Locus Real Estate has identified and developed prime locations in Ghana’s fastest-growing urban areas and delivered high-quality, sustainable developments that align with modern architectural standards.
The company has also created strong investment opportunities, offering rental yields averaging 8-12% annually and capital appreciation of up to 20% and built a formidable team comprising experts in architecture, finance, and project management, ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Locus Real Estate’s commitment to innovation, affordability, and sustainability has positioned it as a leader in Ghana’s real estate market. The company’s projects, such as White Oak Apartment, The Hague, and Locus Place I & II, exemplify this dedication to excellence.
Beyond business growth, Mr. Afrifa is dedicated to making a positive impact on communities. By integrating strategic development with a focus on local sourcing and sustainable building practices, Locus Real Estate creates homes that not only reflect the best of modern Ghana but also contribute to the local economy.
His passion extends beyond real estate development; he is also an advocate for industry growth and innovation. He frequently shares insights on real estate trends in Ghana and Africa, emphasizing urban expansion, sustainable development, and improving housing standards. As an industry thought leader, he continues to explore ways to unlock the untapped potential of the African real estate market, ensuring that Locus Real Estate remains at the forefront of change.
Afrifa’s success in business is matched by his commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility. In 2019, he established the Anidaso Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the living environments of children in Africa. Through this initiative, he has supported community projects, school infrastructure development, and housing for underprivileged children.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Ghana’s corporate and real estate sectors, Mr. Afrifa was inducted into the Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame in 2023. This prestigious honor highlights his exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, and commitment to innovation in the real estate industry.
As Locus Real Estate continues to expand, Afrifa remains focused on scaling the business while maintaining its core values of quality, innovation, and community impact. With several multi-million-dollar projects slated for completion before end of 2025, he is poised to further cement his company’s reputation as a trailblazer in Ghana’s real estate market.
Beyond Ghana, Afrifa has ambitious plans to explore the untapped potential of Africa’s real estate sector, creating world-class developments that attract local and international investors. His vision is to position Locus Real Estate not just as a leading developer in Ghana, but as a key player in Africa’s property investment landscape.
For Afrifa, the journey has been far from traditional, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. From his early days managing a struggling project to leading a real estate empire, his story is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.