A new real estate school tailored for women is set to open in Accra, marking a significant step toward professionalizing Ghana’s property market and increasing female participation in the sector.
The initiative, led by U.S.-based real estate professional Lisa Watt, was announced during the Ghana Real Estate Meetup, an event that featured an all-female panel of realtors, investors, and developers.
Watt, who operates under Lisa and Company International Realty, said the planned institution aims to equip women with formal training, promote licensing, and elevate industry standards.
“There’s no reason why real estate agents in Ghana shouldn’t be licensed just like architects and engineers,” Watt said during an interview. She added that the school will help aspiring realtors learn the fundamentals of the business and prepare them for a more structured licensing regime.
The announcement comes amid growing interest in female-led real estate ventures in Ghana. At the last meetup, Watt noted, there was an unexpected number of female developers actively exploring opportunities in the market.
This year’s event aimed to harness that momentum by showcasing various roles women are already playing across the value chain—from agents and investors to developers and project managers.
Despite their growing influence, women in real estate continue to face structural and cultural barriers. Watt pointed out that the lack of confidence—not competence—holds many women back. “Women are very knowledgeable,” she said, “but they often doubt themselves even when they have the right information.”
To address this gap, the planned school will also focus on boosting confidence through knowledge and professionalism. Students will be taught how to handle client relationships, manage deals, and navigate the regulatory environment.
The school is also expected to collaborate with licensing bodies to advocate for a standard certification process similar to those in more developed real estate markets.
Education, according to Watt, is the critical lever for empowerment. She advised newcomers to the industry to “educate yourself, be resourceful, and know your craft.” She also emphasized that reliability and excellence should be core to any real estate professional’s brand.
The Ghana Real Estate Meetup, which started as an informal gathering sparked by real estate investor Max Maxwell, has evolved into a fast-growing platform for sector players. Watt believes the initiative has the potential to drive transformative change in the industry, especially as Ghana solidifies its position as a regional trendsetter.
“Ghana is the mama of Africa,” she said. “Everyone watches you. The opportunities for growth in this sector are endless.”
The upcoming school is expected to be announced officially in the coming months, with its first set of courses and licensing programs to follow shortly after. Industry stakeholders see it as a timely move to align Ghana’s real estate market with global best practices and open more doors for women looking to enter the field.
