Land documentation
Know the Land. Check the Paperwork.
A receipt alone is not proof of a clean title. Take time to verify the seller, the site and the documents before making a commitment.
Official search and seller checks
Ask for an official Lands Commission search for the actual parcel. Have an independent lawyer examine the result, the seller’s identity and authority, the ownership history and any restrictions. A search is part of due diligence, not a guarantee against every dispute.
Site plan and boundaries
A qualified surveyor should help you identify the parcel, compare the site plan with the physical boundaries and check for overlaps. Plot numbers on a marketing map are not a substitute for a properly prepared survey plan.
Agreement and indenture
Review the purchase agreement before signing. It should identify the parties, the land, the price, payment terms and obligations. An indenture records the conveyance; holding a signed indenture does not mean registration has already been completed.
Payment records and registration
Keep the signed agreement, receipts, bank-transfer records and copies of correspondence. Confirm the applicable registration process with the Lands Commission and your lawyer, including required documents, fees and outstanding steps.
Before you pay, ask for:
- The seller’s identity and evidence of authority
- A site plan matching the plot you visited
- The ownership documents and current search results
- A written price and payment schedule
- Clear documentation and possession milestones
- An explanation of registration costs and responsibilities
General buyer education, not legal advice. Requirements vary by transaction and location; use an independent Ghanaian lawyer and a qualified surveyor.