“In the history of Ghana’s financial evolution, few names resonate with much authority and integrity as the late Leonard Koblah Gikunoo, known as ‘The Guru of the imposible.”
Structured and managed ‘big ticket’ project finance deals including Tema Offshore Mooring Ltd $57 million syndicated loan facility; Government of Ghana CAN 2008 $50 club deal and Aluworks Ltd $12.8 million second cold mill loan facility.
Arranged a number of structured trade financing facilities including Bulk Oil Storage Company Ltd $35 million; Aluworks Ltd $15 million; Chemico Ltd $6 million and Midland International $3.5 million
Oct 2002 to May 2004
Manager (Trading & Research)
Strategic African Securities Ltd, Accra, Ghana – Fully integrated investment banking company carrying out trading, research, investment and corporate finance advisory services – Total Assets under Management £200 million – Employees 25
Prospected for high net worth clients for customized fund management arrangements and was part of a team that managed funds valued at £40+ billion in assets
Assisted Director of Operations in designing suitable proprietary, individual and institutional client portfolio management strategies and identified asset classes which are consistent with the overall client objectives
Undertook comparative analysis of various investment opportunities (shares, bonds and treasury bills)
Adopted suitable performance measurement standards; evaluated portfolio performance of the various funds under management and made relevant recommendations for portfolio review or restructuring
Performed industry research and analysis to reveal the efficiency of various companies in each industry using certain key indicators – These included the Banking, Manufacturing, Textiles and Garments and Aluminium Industries
Aug 2000 to Aug 2001
Financial Analyst (Corporate Finance & Research Department)
Strategic African Securities Limited
Performed corporate finance advisory work in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring and share and bond flotation strategies – Direct Reports 2 (Associate Analysts)
Key team member that advised on the local merger of Elf Ghana Ltd and Total Ghana Ltd to form Total Fina Elf Ghana Ltd
Was part of the team that reviewed the macro-economic performance of Ghana from 1990 to 1999 using certain key indicators
Updated the macro-economic research database and compiled other key data and performance indicators
PROFESSIONAL WORK INTELLIGENCE
Nov 1999 to Aug 2000
Dealer and Research Analyst (Trading & Research Department)
Strategic African Securities Limited
Worked directly on the exchange floor at equity and bond trading desks, dealing in shares and other financial assets – Direct Report 1
Made a major contribution to increasing the company’s share in total trades on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 25% to 35% by Jun 2000
Managed client accounts and relationships including high profile celebrity clients and gave investment advice.
Designed and managed customized investment funds for High Net Worth clients, companies and government institutions – Total Fund Asset Value ¢10 billion Had 1 direct report
EDUCATION RECORDS
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
MSc – International Securities, Investment and Banking – ISMA Graduate Centre, University of Reading (2002)
BSc (1st Class Hons) – Administration (Accounting & Finance) – University of Ghana (1999)
Performance Management for Team Leaders, Barclays University, Accra (2009)
Cash Management and Trade Finance, Barclays University, Accra (2009)
Corporate, Investment & Energy Banking Professional
Life Account
Date of Birth July 22, 1975
Date of Passing January 12, 2021
Known Affectionately As Daddy, Looug, Log, Togbui
Leonard Koblah Gikunoo was a distinguished Ghanaian corporate, investment, and energy banking executive whose life embodied excellence, intellect, leadership, humility, and service. Widely respected within Ghana’s banking and financial sector, he built a legacy defined not only by professional achievement, but also by the lives he inspired, the institutions he strengthened, and the values he upheld.
His passing in January 2021, at the age of forty-five, was received with deep sorrow by family, friends, colleagues, and the wider financial community. Though his life was brief, his impact was profound. Leonard left behind a name associated with brilliance, discipline, generosity, strategic leadership, and transformational service.
Early Life and Family Background
Leonard Koblah Gikunoo was born on July 22, 1975, in Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana. He was the seventh and youngest child among four boys and three girls born to the late Mr. Aggrey Kodzo Gikunoo Esq. and the late Mrs. Gladys Afi Gikunoo.
His father, Mr. Aggrey Kodzo Gikunoo Esq., was a distinguished barrister and solicitor, highly respected in Ghana’s legal fraternity. He was later honored with the traditional title Togbui Agbotadua of the Amegashie Afeku Families of Keta. His mother, Mrs. Gladys Afi Gikunoo, was also of noble traditional heritage and held the title Mamagah Ablewor II of the Wheta Traditional Area.
Leonard was therefore born into a family deeply rooted in leadership, tradition, service, discipline, and dignity. These values shaped his character from childhood and remained visible throughout his life.
Childhood and Education
Little Genius
From an early age, Leonard showed signs of extraordinary intelligence and discipline. He was peaceful, thoughtful, respectful, and deeply committed to learning. He was known as a bookworm, often spending long hours reading and studying.
Leonard attended Ho Mawuli School, one of the most respected schools in the Volta Region. At Mawuli, his academic brilliance became evident. He consistently excelled in his studies and earned admiration from his teachers and peers. His exceptional performance in mathematics, especially logarithms, earned him the nickname “Log.”
He recorded outstanding academic results, including several Grade A performances, and was known to have won the President’s Prize on two occasions. His academic excellence reflected not only natural ability, but also discipline, focus, and a deep desire to make his family proud.
Higher Education and Professional Training
Leonard gained admission to the University of Ghana, Legon, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration with specialization in Accounting. He graduated with First Class Honours, confirming the academic promise he had shown from his early years.
He later furthered his education in the United Kingdom at the renowned Henley Business School, ICMA Centre, University of Reading, where he earned a Master of Science degree in International Securities, Investment and Banking in 2002, graduating with Merit. His outstanding ability earned him the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship Award.
In 2014, Leonard obtained an MBA in Finance from the Graduate Business School of Coventry University, graduating with Distinction. In addition to his university qualifications, he completed numerous professional and executive training programs in project finance, structured trade finance, energy finance, leadership, risk management, relationship management, credit assessment, treasury, and capital markets.
Professional Career
Leonard began his professional journey in investment banking at Strategic African Securities Limited, where he worked as a Dealer and Research Analyst before rising through the roles of Financial Analyst and Manager of Trading and Research. During this period, he gained valuable experience in securities trading, corporate finance advisory, portfolio management, macroeconomic research, mergers and acquisitions, and investment analysis.
He later joined Barclays Bank Ghana Limited, where he held several senior roles within Corporate and Investment Banking. Through diligence, intelligence, and strong leadership, he rose to become Head and Senior Relationship Manager for Domestic Large Corporates and later Senior Vice President for Local Corporates.
At Barclays, Leonard managed large corporate portfolios, structured major financing transactions, and played a significant role in project finance, trade finance, syndicated loans, and corporate relationship management. He became known for his ability to understand complex financial needs and design practical solutions that supported business growth.
Leadership at Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited
In 2013, Leonard joined Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, where he served in major leadership roles within the Wholesale Banking Division. He first served as Director of Corporate Banking, managing one of the bank’s most important revenue-generating departments.
He later became Director of the Energy, Mining, Oil & Gas Department, where he led major structured finance, trade finance, and infrastructure financing transactions. Under his leadership, the department became a key contributor to the bank’s profitability and balance sheet growth. His work helped strengthen Fidelity Bank’s reputation as a leading financier in Ghana’s energy and petroleum sectors.
In November 2017, Leonard was appointed Director of the Capital Markets Department. In this role, he led investment banking, structured finance, project finance, infrastructure finance, and debt capital markets initiatives.
He played a major role in the structuring and arrangement of landmark transactions, including the GHS 10 billion ESLA Bond Programme. He also contributed to Government of Ghana bond issuances and Eurobond transactions that raised significant capital for national development financing.
Professional Achievements and Recognition
Helped structure and arrange the GHS 10 billion ESLA Bond Programme.
Acted as Joint Book Runner for Government of Ghana bond issuances.
Participated in Ghana Eurobond issuances in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Led major structured trade finance and project finance transactions across energy, mining, oil, gas, infrastructure, and corporate sectors.
Helped grow major corporate banking portfolios and improve profitability across multiple banking institutions.
Contributed to policy and technical discussions within Ghana’s banking and energy sectors.
Played a key role in Fidelity Bank’s recognition as Ghana Oil & Gas Financing Bank of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
Character, Faith, and Personal Life
Beyond his professional success, Leonard was admired for his humility, generosity, calm spirit, and wisdom. He was a good listener and a thoughtful counsellor. Family, friends, and colleagues often turned to him for advice, encouragement, and support.
Leonard was deeply loved by his family and was known as a dependable pillar among his siblings, nephews, nieces, friends, and colleagues. He was affectionate, respectful, and caring. Many who knew him remember him not only as a brilliant financial mind, but also as a kind and gentle soul.
He valued spirituality and participated in church activities. He believed in service, discipline, hard work, and the importance of using one’s gifts to uplift others.
Heart – wrenching Encounter
In early January 2021, Leonard became unwell and sought medical attention at Ridge Hospital in Accra. His loved ones remained hopeful as he received care with no signs of recovery, but minutes to midnight, he bid a poignant farewell mysteriously on the late night of January 12, 2021.
His passing was a painful loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the many lives he touched. Yet his memory remains a source of strength and inspiration.
In Honor Of A Luminary
“A visionary leader whose monumental achievements shaped history. Though his light has faded from our sight, his illustrious legacy remains forever etched in our hearts.”
A Force Unbound
“He walked among us as a force of nature, altering our . world before mysteriously stepping into the unknown. A timeless spirit we will never truly lose.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Leonard Koblah Gikunoo’s life reminds us that greatness is not measured only by titles, wealth, or position, but by the depth of one’s character and the positive change one inspires in others. Like a stone that creates ripples across a pond, Leonard’s life created waves of excellence, discipline, generosity, and transformation.
“Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.”— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, A Psalm of Life
Leonard left indelible footprints on the sands of time. His legacy continues through the institutions he helped build, the professionals he mentored, the family he loved, and the many people he inspired.
Though gone too soon, Leonard Koblah Gikunoo remains forever remembered and treasured.
Rest in perfect peace, Leonard Log.
HISTORY HAS A TALE
“LEGEND LOG YOU LEFT A PERMANENT FOOTPRINT ON HISTORY. REST IN SACRED PLACE.”
