Victor Owusu Asante, a legal and real estate expert, has outlined seven crucial steps to ensure a litigation-free land acquisition in Ghana. In an interview with Graphic Online, he emphasized due diligence and professional assistance to avoid common land disputes.
Identify the Seller: Confirm the seller’s identity and status—individual, company, foreigner, or Ghanaian.
Engage a Licensed Surveyor: Visit the land with your own surveyor to confirm coordinates and generate an independent site plan.
Conduct Official Searches: Use the Lands Commission’s consolidated search system to check the land’s status, whether public, family, or stool land.
Litigation Search: Investigate the land’s legal status at local courts to confirm it’s free from disputes.
Check Land Zoning: Verify the land’s zoning with the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) to ensure compatibility with your intended use.
Review Search Reports: Hire a real estate lawyer to analyze reports before proceeding.
Finalize the Sale: Upon satisfactory review, sign a sale and purchase agreement, pay the agreed amount, and have the deed prepared, executed, stamped, and registered at the Lands Commission.
Asante stressed the importance of working with professionals and avoiding intermediaries such as ‘goro boys’ for a secure purchase.
