Before you buy land in Ghana: the checks that matter

Land in Ghana is held under several forms of ownership — stool and skin land, family land, state land and private holdings. The Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) consolidates the main rules on land administration and registration. Whatever the form of ownership, the same principle applies: confirm who has the right to sell before you pay.

Checks to complete before payment

• An official search at the Lands Commission to confirm the registered owner and any recorded interests.
• Where the land is stool, skin or family land, confirmation that the person selling has the authority and the necessary consents.
• A physical inspection of the site, including who is in possession and whether there are structures, farms or boundary disputes.
• Confirmation of the site plan and its coordinates against the records.
• Review of any planning, zoning or development restrictions with the relevant assembly.

After payment

Payment should be made against a properly drafted agreement and documented. The transaction should then be registered, because registration protects the buyer’s interest against later claims.

Each transaction has its own facts. This note is general information and is not legal advice on any particular purchase.