What one needs to know about land ownership in Ghana

The acquisition of land to build dream homes or to commercial purposes has become a major achievement among locals and expatriates in Ghana.

However, despite the interest and importance associated with land ownership, acquiring land in Ghana is not a walk in the park due to the increasing population and growing number of middle-class Ghanaians and local and foreign investors.

In addition, the chances of falling prey to illegal sellers and unruly activities such as title insecurity, multiple sales, usurpations, fraud and many others are the reasons why one needs to know what steps to take to buy land safely. .

A senior Land Administration officer, Samuel Mould, of the Land Commission, has advised that the first step in buying land should be to do extensive research on the land of interest and the seller of the land.

At this stage, all checks are necessary, including checking whether the land belongs to that individual or group.

He said that the option of relying on the Land Commission to conduct the search is viable, adding that both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians who want to acquire land and have no idea where to start can visit the Land Commission for guidance.

After meeting the land owners, ask for a site plan and check with the Land Commission to make sure the land has not been sold to someone else before.

However, the site plan is essential as it will prevent potential property disputes as the Land Commission will keep a copy in their office.

A real estate consultant, Cyril Nii Ayitey Tetteh, has also advised that, if possible, one can “hire a licensed surveyor to independently verify actual dimensions or markings on the physical land, as there are sometimes variations between what what is marked on the site plan and what is on the ground”.

Mister. Mold noted that the payment or commitment must be made after the buyer is sure of the authenticity of the land and after the transfer agreement is approved by the seller and the buyer.

After doing all of the above, the buyer must go to the Land Commission for registration, which is usually the last step in the land purchase process.

Land registration is an important step in the land ownership process, as it will make ownership of the land known to everyone and facilitate future transfer of ownership.

The important thing in the land acquisition process is that you must be sure of the authenticity of the process, the seller, the land, the purchase, and the assignment contract.

Travelers visiting other countries have expressed an interest in owning property outside of their countries of residence. According to the Land Act 2020 (1036), non-Ghanaians can buy land in Ghana. meanwhile, the lands are sold on a 50-year term basis. lease for foreigners and 99 years for locals.

As stipulated in the Land Act 2020 (1036), a lease “is an interest in land for a determinable duration”.

The Ghana Land Act 2020 (1036) is intended to review, harmonize and consolidate land laws to ensure sustainable land administration and management, efficient and effective land tenure and to address related issues.