Ghana Lands Commission: Key Steps for Due Diligence on Land Purchases

• Prospective land buyers in Ghana must conduct thorough due diligence before making a purchase.
• Due diligence includes verifying ownership and status at the Lands Commission, physically inspecting the property, and confirming the seller's authority to sell.
• Neglecting basic due diligence can lead to disputed property and expose buyers to lengthy and expensive litigation.
• The Ghana Lands Commission plays a critical role in facilitating due diligence for land purchases.

Buying land is not like just buying a perishable product like tomatoes. Buying land is something that is fixed in location that you are going to depend on for a long time. So, you need to make sure you get it right.

In Ghana's land market, where customary ownership is prevalent and property transactions often involve substantial financial commitments, due diligence is crucial to avoid costly disputes and litigation. This is according to Raphael Hokey, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary at the Lands Commission, who emphasizes that thorough investigation into a property's ownership history and status can make all the difference in securing a legitimate deal. 'Buying land is not like buying perishable products,' he notes, 'it's a long-term investment that requires careful consideration.' Hokey highlights the importance of verifying the seller's authority to sell, conducting an official search at the Lands Commission, and physically inspecting the property to ensure it matches the site plan. He stresses that buyers must be certain they are dealing with the rightful owner or an authorized representative.

Raphael Hokey warns that neglecting basic due diligence can lead to disputed property and expose buyers to lengthy and expensive litigation. In Ghana's customary land ownership system, multiple individuals or families may sometimes lay claim to the same parcel of land, making it essential for buyers to establish the ownership history and legal status of a property before paying for it. Hokey points out that land acquisition involves substantial financial commitments, and rushing into transactions without proper verification can have severe consequences. He urges prospective buyers to resist pressure to complete transactions hastily and instead take the time to verify all relevant documents, conduct necessary searches, and establish the legitimacy of the transaction before making payment.

The Ghana Lands Commission plays a critical role in facilitating due diligence for land purchases. Hokey advises prospective buyers to conduct an official search at the commission, which can provide valuable information on property ownership and status. He also emphasizes the importance of physically inspecting the property to ensure it matches the site plan and verifying the seller's authority to sell. By working closely with the Lands Commission, buyers can minimize the risk of disputes and litigation associated with land transactions.

Lawyers advising clients on land acquisitions in Ghana should ensure that their clients conduct thorough due diligence, including verifying ownership and status at the Lands Commission, to avoid costly disputes and litigation.

Source: Original reporting via Deborah Quarcoo