So, I have a question, how did Santor, metamorphose into becoming East Legon Hills? How is an off shoot of Ts3 Addo now Burma Hills? There is a running joke that in Ghana if you want to add value to a locality, just slap “east” “west” or hills then viola! Light comments we make, but prices of properties in these localities are anything but light, they come heavy and power packed, mainly because of added value in terms of improved infrastructure and amenities. Curious about these areas? come let’s take a quick drive through the “hills”. Come with me, will you?
A Chip of History
Many, many years ago, what is now Burma hills was in essence land in between Ts3 Addo and East Airport. Then with the boom in real estate, Ts3 Addo began to fill up just as the adjoining East Airport. Then it occurred to investors, there was land nestled between these 2 neighborhoods, right behind the famed Burma Camp. For the uninitiated, Burma Camp is the main base of the Ghana Armed Forces. The name Burma was inspired by the Asian country, Burma, a south Asian country where Ghanaian soldiers fought in World War II. The area symbolizes security and stability and with access to other prime areas like Cantonments and East Airport, appending hills to Burma was definitely a marketing master stroke as the area now attracts high to middle income earners and is fast turning into a well sought after residential area due to its pristine environs. The average property values in this locality is around USD$500K for a 4 bedroom townhouse. Fully detached homes could be in the region of USD$700K, while apartments range between USD$80-200K on average.
The “Hills” to the East of Legon
Before Burma Hills however, there was East Legon Hills. As with most of these fast-developing neighborhoods, they do not only take on new “garments” but new names. Not too long ago, what is now known as East Legon Hills, was what old-time inhabitants called Santor. As land become scarce in mainland Accra, house hunters and real estate developers drifted onto the outskirts and found space in the adjoining communities like East Legon -Adjiringanor, Nmai-dzorn, Nanakrom etc. In the last decade, the suburb has grown so quickly that despite initial issues with traffic and distance, its serene environs make for a great retreat from the hustle of the city center.
The “Hills” is now an enclave of several estate developments. Residential properties in this locality range from USD$90K on average for apartments and USD$150k for 3-bedroom houses and about USD$250-350K for 4-bedroom houses. East Legon Hills is located about 18 kilometers from the city but has developed so much and possesses its own shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, pharmacies, hospitals, schools, prominently the British International School, as well as a lush 9-hole golf course, spa, wellness center and a quad biking course at nearby Montgomery Residences.
While I have been taken by the rate of rapid growth and would not have second thoughts, I may have to sign that cheque ASAP, if not, I may have to join the queue, waiting for the next cool “hills” of Accra, hopefully, not in vain like the Bob Marley song playing on radio in the background.
The writer is the Executive director of Yecham Property Consult & Founder of Ghana Green Building Summit.
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: Cyril Nii Ayitey TettehTweet
