Italy-Ghana: from Piemonte the story of a self-made man

Accra - "Our works speak for us". These words on the homepage of Consar Ltd website, one of the first Construction Services Company in Ghana, speak for his founder, Stefano Ramella Pezza. He is a man of few words, who is well-respected in his field because of his actions. In 2002 he was named Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Today serving as Honorary Vice Consul in the Ashanti, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Western Region, Ramella Pezza is someone who never gives up on working hard. Born in Biella, son of an artisan and of a dressmaker, he grew up wanting to work in the building construction field. Stefano falls in love with Africa through the stories of his maternal grandfather, Giovanni Foscale, who had lived in Congo in the forties. When he came to know that technicians were being required in Ghana he decided to take off at only 19, with a basic knowledge of English and a very small budget. With a diploma in Technical Studies, he starts in Ghana odd jobs in the construction field. After a proxy wedding with the Italian women that still accompanies him, they move together to Tamale in the Northern Region. His very first encounter with the new continent was quite traumatic, but Stefano did not give up and in 1983, together with his wife Anna, founded Consar (Construction Stefano Anna Ramella). Today this is one of the most important companies in Ghana where has earned recognition by the undertaking of large, complex projects with the commitment of always giving the utmost efficiency and build quality. "With headquarters located in Kumasi and branch offices in Tamale and Accra, Consar - Lamella Pezza stresses - has the capacity to go where the client requires".

In a land of traditions and cultural heritage as it is Ghana, he also learns how to manage with the local authorities and the traditional leaders and he eventually becomes a close friend of the ruler of the Ashanti Kingdom, Osei Tutu II. This man is estimated to be Africa's 10th richest monarch, with valuable goldmine and cocoa plantations and remains one of the most influential traditional figures in Ghana. Stefano built Osei Tutu II's Kumasi residency. The Ashanti King, each and every year, honors Stefano with his presence at the event he, as Vice Consul, gives at his residency to celebrate the Italian Republic Day. Over decades, the company has developed major projects such as airports (in Kumasi, Obuasi, Takoradi, and Tamale), schools, hospitals, hotels, sports facilities, warehouses, factories, offices. One major accomplishment is the renovation of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi (Ghana). Other major works are on the run to build parts of the new harbor in Tema and some of the basements for Eni oil and gas structures in Ghana. He also founded Gianair Ltd (from his son's name Gianluca), a Private Limited Ghanaian Airline Company based in Accra, which was incorporated in 2009 and commenced operations in 2010. Gianair primarily operates in the charter services and air cargo, as well as in the emergency rescue. 

After decades of hard work, from his home in Kumasi, the same he built for his family 23 years ago, he still leads the Group of Companies that extend services to various market industries with the spirit of a self-made man who doesn't forget his origins.  "Our success story began when we secured our first major contract for the construction of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust flats in Kumasi. Now, with over 1,300 permanent employees and 30 years of experience - Ramella Pezza is proud to tell - we are able to offer clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the stability and resources of a nationwide organization". Moreover, with well-established companies in the aluminium, mechanical, electrical and plumbing sector, Consar Ltd. has earned more recently the capacity to offer turnkey solutions to its clients. "At the beginning in Tamale, my wife and I were living without any electricity or water, but all I can say is, it was the best time of our lives - he affirms - and despite how hard it has been I would'nt change a thing".