One of the most devastating land scams in Ghana involves buying land that the government compulsorily acquired years or decades ago. The chief or family still "sells" the land — but they lost authority over it the moment the government acquired it. Here's how to protect yourself.
What is Compulsory Acquisition?
Under Article 20 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, the government can acquire any land for public purposes by paying compensation. Once acquired, the land becomes state land — the original owners lose all rights.
Common reasons for acquisition:
- Road construction and infrastructure
- Government housing projects
- Military installations
- Public institutions (schools, hospitals)
- Industrial development zones
The Problem
Government acquisitions in Ghana have a major flaw: the government often acquires land but never develops it. Decades later, the land sits empty. The original owners (or their descendants) resume farming or selling the land as if the acquisition never happened.
Buyers see empty land, deal with a "chief" who appears legitimate, and pay their money. Then they discover the land belongs to the government.
Areas Heavily Affected
Some of the most popular areas for land purchase in Greater Accra have significant government acquisitions:
- Tema: Large areas acquired for the Tema Development Corporation
- Spintex Road: Parts acquired for industrial development
- Cantonments/Airport area: Military and government acquisitions
- Achimota: Achimota Forest Reserve and surroundings
- Sakumono: Community development areas
How to Check for Government Acquisition
- Lands Commission search: The most reliable method. The Lands Commission records show whether land has been compulsorily acquired. Cost: GHS 200-500.
- Survey and Mapping Division: Check if the land falls within any government acquisition area.
- Local assembly: The District Assembly may have records of government land in the area.
- Physical signs: Government pillars or boundary markers on the land (though these are often removed).
Read our detailed guide on Lands Commission verification.
Can You Buy Government-Acquired Land?
Yes — but only from the government itself, through the Lands Commission. You CANNOT buy it from:
- The original chief or family (they no longer have authority)
- A developer who "bought" from the chief
- Any private individual
The government can grant leases on state land (usually 50-99 years). The process:
- Apply to the Lands Commission for a lease
- The State Lands Commission evaluates your application
- If approved, you pay lease premiums
- You receive a lease document registered at the Lands Commission
What If You Already Bought Acquired Land?
If you discover you bought government-acquired land:
- Your purchase is void — the seller had no authority to sell
- You can sue the seller for fraud and recovery of your money
- You may be able to apply to the Lands Commission for a formal lease (if the government isn't using the land)
- Some acquisitions have been reversed — if the government never paid compensation, the original owners can petition for de-acquisition
The De-Acquisition Debate
Ghana's Lands Act 2020 introduced provisions for land to be returned to original owners if:
- The government acquired it more than 10 years ago
- No compensation was ever paid
- The land was never used for the stated public purpose
However, the de-acquisition process is slow and uncertain. Don't count on it when making purchasing decisions.
Before buying any land, use our free Land Deal Risk Check to flag government acquisition risks. Also read about common land fraud tactics in Ghana.