Nana Kwame Bediako Shares His Haute Secrets On Living In Los Angeles

Born in Accra, Ghana and an alumni of the University of Westminster in London, Nana Kwame Bediako (aka ‘Freedom’) is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Kwarleyz Group, encapsulating brands such as Wonda World Estates, Petronia City Development, New Africa Construction, Belfast City & Property Management and the New Africa Philanthropic Foundation, while concurrently serving as Co-Principal of the recently-launched Capital Nine Zero (CNZ).

With offices and residences around the world, including in Los Angeles and Accra, Mr. Bediako has been a successful developer in the real estate space for nearly 20 years and has designed and constructed over 500 residential and retail units across the nation of Ghana alone.

‘Freedom’s’ vision? To change the face of industrialization in West Africa, with his sights set on tackling the Ghanaian national, regional, and intercontinental development challenges hindering lasting change. Here, Haute Living chats with the power player to get his haute secrets on the City of Angels.

Where were you born: I was born in Accra, Ghana.

How long have you been in Los Angeles: I have lived in Los Angeles for nearly two years now and remain inspired by California’s natural beauty, technological stewardship in the United States and its future potential.

Neighborhood: Bel Air

Occupation: Developer and Industrialist

Favorite Restaurant: The legendary Spago

Best place for a power business meeting: I enjoy the Wolfgang Puck Bel-Air Hotel

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Bel Air Hotel or Mondrian, for those either making news or capturing scenic views.

Best Spa: The Spa at Beverly Wilshire

Favorite Charity Event: The Children’s Cancer Research Fund or the L.A. Kitchen are both always worthy causes, prospects to help in a lasting way right at home. In my homeland, organizations such as Opportunity International work to end an endemic cycle of poverty and dependency; a worthy cause of which I’m closely aligned.

Favorite Cultural Event: L.A. is home to a myriad of intriguing events, such as the recently held art exhibit at the Bowers Museum, entitled ‘African Twilight: Vanishing Rituals and Ceremonies’. It is imperative to not just preserve but embrace our own cultures and respective personal histories, which will serve to shape a more harmonious future via the open and honest sharing of ideas.

Favorite Cultural Institution: California African American Museum

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: I enjoy the outdoors and while there are many athletic facilities I frequent on occasion, you’ll more often than not find me jogging alongside my family or teammates.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Although there are numerous services I can refer, I enjoy the driver’s seat behind my Lamborghini or Rolls Royce, each of which I had personally shipped from Accra.

Best Museum/Exhibit: The California African American Museum in Exposition Park offers free admission and provides a rich history to attendees young and old of the arduous yet perpetually ambitious journey of the African American community. I see one united people and teach the very same opportunities made possible by self-empowerment to my children and my community, both here in Los Angeles and in Accra.

Describe your city in three words: Powerful. Inspirational. Replicable.

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: An efficient network is a resource I have culled my entire life and an opportunity to be leveraged at events, be they social or professional. Los Angeles provides an ideal hub for networking, the sharing of experiences and the pooling of resources.