Acquiring land in Ghana can be a rewarding investment, but the process is fraught with potential pitfalls that have left many buyers with regrettable experiences. As someone who has observed the Ghanaian real estate market for years, I’ve witnessed numerous preventable mistakes that continue to plague land transactions.
1. Neglecting Proper Title Verification
Perhaps the most critical mistake is failing to thoroughly verify land ownership. Ghana operates multiple land tenure systems, including customary ownership, state lands, and family lands, creating complexity that fraudsters exploit.
What to do instead: Always conduct a comprehensive search at the Lands Commission. This official verification confirms whether the seller has the legal right to sell the property and reveals any encumbrances like mortgages or disputes.
2. Relying Solely on Verbal Agreements
Many land disputes in Ghana stem from transactions based on verbal agreements or inadequate documentation. Some buyers, particularly those from abroad or unfamiliar with local processes, accept handwritten receipts as sufficient proof of purchase.
What to do instead: Ensure all transactions are properly documented with a legally binding sale agreement drafted or reviewed by a qualified lawyer. The agreement should detail payment terms, boundaries, and other important conditions.
3. Bypassing the Lands Commission Registration
Failing to register your land acquisition with the Lands Commission is a serious oversight that leaves your investment vulnerable.
What to do instead: Complete the registration process to obtain proper title documents. This may include a Land Title Certificate or Deed of Assignment, depending on the land category. While the process can be time-consuming, it provides crucial legal protection.
4. Ignoring Physical Inspection and Boundary Verification
Some buyers purchase land sight unseen or fail to confirm actual boundaries, often discovering later that what they bought on paper doesn’t match reality.
What to do instead: Always physically inspect the land with a licensed surveyor who can verify the boundaries against the site plan. This helps prevent encroachment issues and confirms you’re buying exactly what was advertised.
5. Overlooking Zoning and Land Use Regulations
Buying land without checking zoning regulations has led many to discover they cannot use the property as intended.
What to do instead: Verify the land’s approved use with the Town and Country Planning Department or relevant District Assembly. This ensures your intended use (residential, commercial, or agricultural) aligns with local development plans.
6. Falling for “Too Good to Be True” Pricing
Unusually low prices often signal something is amiss. Many victims of land fraud were initially attracted by prices significantly below market value.
What to do instead: Research current market rates in your area of interest. Consult with reputable real estate agents or valuation professionals to understand fair pricing for the location.
7. Rushing the Purchase Process
Pressure tactics are common in fraudulent land deals. Sellers might insist that “many others are interested” or create artificial urgency to force quick decisions.
What to do instead: Take your time. Legitimate land opportunities won’t disappear overnight. Complete all necessary checks and consultations before committing any significant funds.
8. Paying the Full Amount Upfront
Making complete payment before securing all documentation and verifications is a risk many buyers regret taking.
What to do instead: Structure payments in stages, with significant amounts tied to completion of specific verification milestones. Consider using an escrow service for large transactions.
Conclusion
Buying land in Ghana can be a straightforward process when approached with due diligence. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of property ownership in our beautiful country.
Remember, the extra time spent on proper verification is always less costly than dealing with land disputes after purchase.
References
- Ghana Lands Commission. (2023). Land Registration Process Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.lc.gov.gh/
- Asiama, S.O. (2019). “Land tenure regimes and land markets in Ghana.” Journal of Land Administration in Africa, 2(1), 45-60.
- Ghana Real Estate Developers Association. (2024). Annual Property Market Report. Accra, Ghana.
