Lands Commission Warns Ghanaian Homebuyers to Verify Land Before Paying
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Prospective homeowners are being urged to carry out thorough land searches before making payments. The Lands Commission says checking ownership, obtaining a site plan and registering acquired property can help buyers avoid fraud, double sales and costly disputes.
The Lands Commission has urged prospective homeowners to conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing land, warning that inadequate verification can expose buyers to fraud, double sales and lengthy legal disputes. The advice was delivered during the JoyNews Habitat Fair, where the Commission is engaging prospective homeowners on secure property acquisition.
Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Operations at the Lands Commission, Surv. Raphael Hokey, advised buyers to physically inspect prospective properties, request the site plan, conduct an official search and establish that the person selling the land has legitimate ownership rights.
He noted that the risk is particularly important in Ghana because a significant proportion of the country's land is held under customary ownership, involving families, stools, skins and individuals. Buyers who fail to establish the correct ownership chain can therefore face competing claims after completing a purchase.
Hokey also identified a seller's refusal to provide a site plan as a major warning sign. He said a legitimate landowner should be willing to provide the necessary documents so that prospective buyers can conduct independent searches before making payment.
Beyond purchasing the land, buyers were encouraged to register their properties with the Lands Commission after completing the transaction. Registration creates an official record that can help protect ownership and provide notice against subsequent claims or attempts to sell the same property to another buyer.
The Commission further cautioned that acquiring land does not automatically authorise construction. Property owners must obtain the appropriate development permits before beginning construction to avoid violating local planning regulations.
The guidance highlights the importance of legal and administrative due diligence as Ghana's housing market continues to attract prospective homeowners and property investors.
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