WHAT IS LAND REGISTRATION ?

Land Registration is the recording of rights and interest in land as evidence by instruments. Instruments or deeds that could be registered include leases, sub-leases, conveyances, assignments, mortgages, gifts, tenancy agreements probate and wills, letters of administration, vesting assets, statutory declarations, power of attorney etc. in relation to land.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGISTERING YOUR LAND ?

       

















TYPES OF LAND OWNERSHIP IN GHANA:

1. INDIVIDUAL/PRIVATE LANDS: these are lands owned by individuals and private entities

2. STOOL/ SKIN LANDS: these are lands under the custodianship of various chiefs

3. FAMILY LANDS: these are lands managed by Heads of families assisted by principal members of the  families.

4. STATE AND STOOL VESTED LANDS: these are lands managed by the Lands Commission


PROCEDURE TO ACQUIRE AND REGISTER LAND:
(procedure depends on the type of land involved)

NB: It is always advisable to follow due diligence to avoid being dragged into a never conclusive land disputes by ensuring that:
(a) you are dealing with the rightful owner of the land recognized by 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. (we recommend Geomappers Engineering Ltd. to you for such 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 land valuation Board.

13. Applicant obtains 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 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.Original copy of the document is released to 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 land valuation Board.

13. Applicant obtains 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 plot of land

2. You would be invited to complete application form (form 5) and 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 Commission

6. Applicant invited to 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 Applicant.