Thinking about registering land in Ghana? You're in the right place. Investing in land is a wise choice, as it appreciates over time. Unlike many assets, land maintains its value indefinitely, making it a secure investment. Now, let's explore the essential steps for registering land in Ghana to ensure a smooth and legal transaction.

Seven Steps to Register Land in Ghana

Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Background Check

This is the most crucial step. Before buying land, ensure it is genuinely for sale. Hire a land lawyer for assistance and consult governmental land authorities like the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) to confirm the land isn't marked for development. Assess the land's suitability (e.g., check for waterlogging) before deciding to buy.

Step 2: Acquisition and Negotiation

Negotiate directly with the landowner, avoiding middlemen. Once you've confirmed the land's availability and suitability, identify the true owner to finalize the purchase.

Step 3: Document Endorsement

After reaching an agreement, a land lawyer must endorse three copies of the agreement with a practice stamp. Include the site plan with two additional copies. Both parties must sign and endorse the plan, which a licensed surveyor and regional surveyor will certify with stamps and dates.

Step 4: Witnesses

To prevent future disputes, at least two witnesses (one from each party) must sign. They should provide full names, addresses, and original signatures to attest to the transaction.

Step 5: Land Commission

Submit the endorsed documents to the Ghana Lands Commission with a processing fee. The Ghana Land Valuation Board will stamp and certify the registration once processing is complete.

Step 6: Internal Revenue Authority (IRS)

The IRS receives processed documents from the Land Valuation Board for tax clearance. Afterwards, the buyer receives a tax clearance certificate, submitted to the land commission for final registration at the deeds registry.

Step 7: Obtain the Original Copy

Finally, the buyer receives the original land title document from the deeds registry. Ensure you collect this original document to complete the process.

By carefully following these steps, you can secure a land title deed without any trouble. Avoid land fraud and litigation by conducting thorough due diligence, ensuring a smooth and rewarding investment in real estate.