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The Diaspora Buyer's Guide & Checklist To Buying Property In Ghana Safely

The documents to request, the questions to ask a seller directly, and a short glossary of the Ghanaian land-law terms you'll encounter — everything referenced in ourfull article on land documentation, condensed into one page you can save or print.

Documents To Request Before You Commit

Site plan

The registered plan showing the exact boundaries and location of the parcel — confirm it matches the land you're actually being shown.

Indenture

The document recording the transfer of interest in the land. Check the names on it match the person you're dealing with, and trace it back to the prior owner.

Land Title Certificate (where available)

A stronger, registered form of title obtained through Ghana's Land Title Registration process — ask whether one exists or is in progress.

Lands Commission search report

Written proof a search was conducted against the specific parcel, not just a verbal assurance that "it's clean."

Root of title / chain of prior transfers

Documentation showing how the land moved from its original family, stool, or state allocation into the current seller's hands.

Power of attorney (if someone is signing on the owner's behalf)

A notarized document, not a verbal claim of authorization.

Building/development permit (for a completed or under-construction unit)

Confirms the structure itself is authorized, separate from the land title underneath it.

Questions To Ask A Seller Directly

  • ?Can I see the Lands Commission search report for this specific parcel, not just a general assurance?
  • ?Who owned this land before you, and can I see that prior transfer documented?
  • ?Is anyone else — family members, a prior buyer, a co-owner — able to claim an interest in this parcel?
  • ?If you're not the registered owner, can I see your notarized power of attorney?
  • ?Can I engage my own independent lawyer to review these documents before I send any deposit?
  • ?What professional bodies is your company registered with, and can I verify that membership independently?

A Short Glossary Of Ghanaian Land-Law Terms

Indenture
A legal document recording the transfer of an interest in land from one party to another.
Land Title Certificate
A registered, searchable record of ownership issued through Ghana's Land Title Registration process — stronger evidence of title than an indenture alone.
Stool / Family land
Land held under customary ownership by a traditional stool (chieftaincy) or an extended family, often the origin point before a parcel is subdivided and sold privately.
Lands Commission
The government body responsible for land administration and registration in Ghana, including conducting title searches.
Root of title
The documented chain of ownership tracing a parcel back to its original, legitimate source — the basis for confirming a seller actually has the right to sell.
Allocation paper / allocation note
An early-stage document from a family or stool indicating land has been set aside for a person, distinct from — and weaker than — a registered indenture or title.
Power of attorney
A notarized legal document authorizing one person to act on behalf of another, such as signing a land sale on the registered owner's behalf.

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