There are various procedures to register land in Ghana. The procedure depends on the type of land involved
According to Conciv Engineering Limited, It is always advisable to follow due diligence to avoid being dragged into a never conclusive land dispute by ensuring that:
(a) you are dealing with the rightful owner of the land recognized by the law-a quick official search will do in addition to neighborhood questionings and supporting documents from claimed owner. Do an original survey of the said parcel for the search to be sure the plan used for the search is for the exact land of interest.
(b) You engage the services of a qualified land surveyor. In Ghana, only licensed surveyors are permitted legally to undertake cadastral surveys.
INDIVIDUAL / PRIVATE LANDS-Registration procedures
1. Applicant / developer negotiates with the actual owner concerned for the land.
2. Three copies of the document executed between the actual owner and the applicant to be submitted to Lands commission
3. A solicitor of the Supreme Court (i.e. a practicing lawyer) must sign the back of each copy with his stamp duly affixed.
4. Each copy of the document must have a site plan attached. Two extra site plans, making five (5) in all must accompany the documents.
5. The back of the site plans are to be endorsed by both the actual owner (lessor) /seller and the applicant (lessee)/buyer.
6. Each site plan is to be certified by the stamps of a licensed surveyor and the Regional surveyor and duly dated.
7. At least two principal Elders of the stool (with status) must sign as witnesses.
8. The witnesses of the applicant (lessee) /buyer must write full names, provide addresses and signature.
9. Documents submitted to lands commission.
10. Processing and registration fees paid.
11. Documents processed at Lands commission.
12. Documents released for stamping at the land valuation Board.
13. Applicant obtains a Tax Clearance Certificate at Internal Revenue Service.
14 . Document registered at Deeds Registry at Lands commission.
15. Original copy released to Applicant.
STOOL/ SKIN LANDS-Registration procedures
1. Applicant/developer negotiates with the chief concerned for the land.
2. Three copies of the document executed between the chief and the applicant to be submitted to Lands commission
3. A solicitor of the supreme court(i.e. a practicing lawyer) must sign the back of each copy with his stamp duly affixed.
4. Each copy of the document must have a site plan attached. Two extra site plans, making five (5) in all must accompany the documents.
5The back of the site plans are to be endorsed by both the chief (lessor) /seller and the applicant (lessee)/buyer.
6. Each site plan is to be certified by the stamps of a licensed surveyor and the Regional surveyor and duly dated.
7. At least two principal Elders of the stool (with status) must sign as witnesses.
8. The witnesses of the applicant (lessee) /buyer must write full names, provide addresses and signature.
9. Documents submitted to lands commission.
10. Processing and registration fees paid.
11. Chairman of Lands commission grants concurrence.
12. Documents released for stamping at land valuation Board.
13. Applicant obtains a Tax Clearance Certificate at Internal Revenue Service.
14. Document registered at Deeds Registry at Lands commission.
15. Applicant pays first year’s ground rent
16. An original copy of the document is released to the applicant.
FAMILY LANDS-Registration procedures
1. Applicant/developer negotiates with the Family Head and principal members of the family concerned for the land.
2. Three copies of the document executed between the family Head and principal members of the family and the applicant to be submitted to Lands commission
3. A solicitor of the Supreme Court (i.e. a practicing lawyer) must sign the back of each copy with his stamp duly affixed.
4. Each copy of the document must have a site plan attached. Two extra site plans, making five (5) in all must accompany the documents.
5. The back of the site plans are to be endorsed by both the actual owner (lessor) /seller and the applicant (lessee)/buyer.
6. Each site plan is to be certified by the stamps of a licensed surveyor and the Regional surveyor and duly dated.
7. At least two principal Elders of the stool (with status) must sign as witnesses.
8. The witnesses of the applicant (lessee) /buyer must write full names, provide addresses and signature.
9. Documents submitted to lands commission.
10. Processing and registration fees paid.
11. Documents processed at Lands commission.
12. Documents released for stamping at the land valuation Board.
13. Applicant obtains a Tax Clearance Certificate at Internal Revenue Service.
14 . Document registered at Deeds Registry at Lands commission.
15. Original copy released to Applicant.
STATE AND STOOL VESTED LANDS-Registration procedures
1. Apply to Lands Commission for the plot of land
2. You would be invited to complete an application form (Form 5) and a questionnaire with two (2) passport size pictures.
3. Lands Commission gives approval, if a plot is available.
4. Applicant pays requisite fees and charges
5. Documents prepared by the secretariat of Lands Commissions
6. Applicant invited to execute documents
7. Documents executed by Chairman of Lands Commission
8. Applicant pays ground rent and registration fee
9. Documents released for stamping at Land Valuation Board
10. Applicant obtains Tax Clearance Certificate at Internal Revenue Service
11. Document finally registered at Deeds Registry at Lands Commission
12. Original copy of document released to the Applicant.
Source: Conciv Engineering Limited
