L. K. Djokoto – Collecting tribal art and leading a family office

By Elizabeth H. AVUMEGAH

On a tranquil Sunday evening, V. L. K. Djokoto, clothed in a turquoise linen shirt and loose-fitting navy-blue linen trousers, is at the lounge of his townhouse, the Ka xoxowo Salon — a late 90s residence which houses and displays an eclectic private collection of authentic African art — planted on the minted streets of Airport Residential.

So far, it’s provided an intimate space for photography exhibitions, such as ‘Ny? K? W?’ by Mel Arthur; and Itenso, an art exhibition and installation, by Boxer Studios. Tucked away in the corner of a small estate, hidden in plain sight, it offers privacy at the heart of a vibrant city.

Here, Mr. Djokoto is somewhat disc-jockeying, shuffling between records from his online playlist — ‘Wuxexle Radio’ — which, as he hesitantly admits, takes him ample time to curate. His lounge is a paradox.

A cluster of artworks, it still strangely retains a minimalist orderliness. The thoroughness of his research, coupled with an appetite for esoterism and an exacting eye, is the basis of a passion that has led to these remarkable discoveries by the emerging cultural theorist and art collector.

After inspecting a few masks — including a striking Baoulé mask from Côte D’Ivoire — and other statues and figures, which are available to view by appointment, we then settle at the table for dinner. His chef, a shy petite lady, serves us a mouth-watering plate of seafood pasta, a side of garlic bread and a glass of white wine. As for the sparkling water, I had no use for it.

At age 29, navigating the third floor would be a fresh phase for ‘Letsa’, as he insists, I call him.  “I haven’t denounced my Catholic name. But I’ve certainly found the need to embrace — or, if I may – cling more tightly unto A?l? culture, as a more genuine identity, devoid of a manipulative colonial past which, in my personal opinion, ruthlessly subverts the idea of an African personality. And that sentiment echoes more loudly within, the more the years go by,” he said.

“I think, over centuries, we’ve loosened the structures of our culture — and, in the process, emptied the souls of our people,” he added.

He then tells me a bit about D. K. T. Djokoto & Co, a family office, where he is managing partner.

“D. K. T. Djokoto & Co was established 75 years ago, in 1950 — since then, taking care of business for our traditional royal family and sophisticated clientele has been our creed. As managing partner, transforming a concrete vision into a secure structure — from a legal, organisational and financial perspective — is particularly an enjoyable task that gives me purpose and fulfilment in my craft.” he said.

Letsa joined the family office in the capacity of managing partner only six years ago. During this period, he’s seen D. K. T. Djokoto & Co — through its four specialist departments, namely: arts and culture; public relations and corporate affairs; rural development; and, real estate — grow at an eye-watering rate.

And in the process, they have revived a historic pre-colonial newspaper, built a cosmetic brand and launched a beverage product. The engine of the firm, although primarily focused on rural development, however, is its real estate department.

Acquired over multiple generations, their modest portfolio of wholly-owned high-end residential property includes a post-independence era villa at Cantonments, a minimalist Ridge-based apartment and a solar-powered residence at Airport Hills, a private estate — some of Ghana’s most premium locations — among other prime real estate, collectively worth a conservative £10m.

“As temporary custodians of our persons and fortune and need, our ultimate responsibility is to ensure there is a secure structure to protect our real estate, so wealth can be passed from one generation to the next. Just as we’ve competently cared for our portfolio, since 1950 — steadily growing its value — we extend equal responsibility to the properties of our clientele, helping you manage and administer your real estate from a holistic perspective.”

A former magazine columnist, television producer and broadcast journalist — he’s also gained broad first-hand exposure and experience in communications, public relations and corporate affairs. Since 2018, D. K. T. Djokoto & Co has advised the Ministry of Finance – Ghana; European Union – Ghana; Information Services Department – Ghana; and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, among other prestigious institutions, on public relations and corporate affairs.  “My duty is to ensure that resources are carefully and adequately managed so that these services, befitting for the exquisite edifice of society, may continue in perpetuity,” he concludes.

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