Lands Commission Offices in Ghana: Where to Go and What They Do

The Lands Commission is the most important government institution for land ownership in Ghana. But navigating it can be confusing — there are multiple divisions, regional offices, and processes. Here's your complete guide.

What the Lands Commission Does

The Lands Commission (established under Article 258 of the 1992 Constitution) manages all public lands and regulates land transactions in Ghana. It has four main divisions:

1. Land Registration Division

This is where you:

• Register land transactions (deeds and titles)
• Conduct land searches (encumbrance checks)
• File caveats and cautions
• Get certified copies of land documents

2. Survey and Mapping Division

This division:

• Maintains the national geodetic framework
• Approves survey plans prepared by licensed surveyors
• Maintains cadastral maps
• Resolves boundary disputes through survey

3. Land Valuation Division

This division:

• Assesses property values for stamp duty
• Provides valuations for compensation (government acquisitions)
• Values property for mortgage and insurance purposes
• Maintains property value records

4. Public and Vested Lands Management Division

This division:

• Manages state lands and vested lands
• Grants leases on government land
• Handles compulsory acquisition matters
• Manages stool land revenue (with OASL)

Regional Offices

The Lands Commission has offices in all 16 regional capitals:

• Greater Accra: Head Office, near the Law Courts, Accra (busiest office)
• Ashanti: Kumasi (second busiest)
• Western: Sekondi-Takoradi
• Central: Cape Coast
• Eastern: Koforidua
• Volta: Ho
• Northern: Tamale
• Upper East: Bolgatanga
• Upper West: Wa
• Brong Ahafo: Sunyani
• Oti: Dambai
• Bono East: Techiman
• Ahafo: Goaso
• Savannah: Damongo
• North East: Nalerigu
• Western North: Sefwi-Wiawso

Which Office Do You Visit?

Go to the regional office where the land is located — not where you live. If your land is in Tema, go to the Greater Accra office. If it's in Kumasi, go to the Ashanti office.

Common Services and Fees

• Land search (encumbrance check): GHS 200-500 (3-7 days)
• Deed registration: GHS 500-2,000 (2-4 months)
• Title registration: GHS 1,000-3,000 (3-6 months)
• Certified copies: GHS 50-200 (1-2 weeks)
• Filing a caveat: GHS 100-300 (1-2 days)
• Land valuation: GHS 200-500 (1-3 weeks)
• Survey plan approval: GHS 300-1,000 (2-4 weeks)

Tips for Navigating the Lands Commission

1. Go early. Offices open at 8 AM but queues form from 7 AM, especially in Accra.
2. Bring all documents. Missing one document means another trip. Check the requirements before going.
3. Get an experienced lawyer or agent. They know the staff, processes, and can follow up on your behalf.
4. Keep copies of everything. Photocopy every document you submit.
5. Get receipt for every payment. No unofficial payments.
6. Follow up regularly. Files don't move without follow-up. Visit or call every 2 weeks.
7. Use the tracking system. Some offices have document tracking. Get your reference number and use it.

Common Frustrations (And How to Deal With Them)

• "File not found": This happens frequently. Your lawyer should have copies of everything submitted. Insist on a formal trace.
• Slow processing: Underfunding and understaffing are real. Patience and persistent follow-up are your only tools.
• Requests for "facilitation fees": These are bribes. You're not obligated to pay them, though the system sometimes grinds without them. Report corruption to the Commission's complaints unit.

Before visiting the Lands Commission, use our free Land Deal Risk Check to make sure you have everything in order. Read about the Lands Commission verification process and transferring land ownership.