What Documents Do You Need to Buy Land in Ghana?

Buying land without proper documentation is the number one cause of land disputes in Ghana. Here's every document you need — and why each one matters.

Essential Documents

1. Indenture (Deed of Conveyance)

This is the most important document in any land transaction. The indenture is a legal document that formally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. It must be:

• Prepared by a qualified lawyer
• Signed by both parties (seller and buyer)
• Witnessed by at least two people
• Stamped by the Lands Commission (stamp duty paid)
• Registered at the Lands Commission

Cost: GHS 1,000-3,000 (lawyer preparation fees)

2. Site Plan

A site plan shows the exact boundaries, size, and location of your land on a map. It must be:

• Prepared by a licensed surveyor (check with the Ghana Institution of Surveyors)
• Include GPS coordinates
• Show the land's position relative to roads, landmarks, and neighboring properties
• Bear the surveyor's stamp and registration number

Cost: GHS 1,000-3,000

3. Land Search Report

This is the result of a search at the Lands Commission to verify:

• Who the registered owner is
• Whether there are any encumbrances (mortgages, court orders)
• Whether the land has been acquired by the government
• Whether anyone else has registered interest in the same land

Read our full guide on Lands Commission verification.

Cost: GHS 200-500

4. Allocation Letter / Note

If buying from a chief or family head, you need an allocation letter signed by:

• The chief or family head
• At least 2-3 principal elders
• The linguist (as witness)

This is your first layer of proof that the traditional authority authorized the sale.

5. Stamp Duty Certificate

Proof that you've paid the required tax on the property transfer:

• 0.5% of property value for sales
• 0.25% for gifts

Paid at the GRA office. Without this, your indenture cannot be registered.

Supporting Documents

6. Sale Agreement / Receipt

A written agreement signed before the indenture, showing:

• Agreed price
• Payment terms
• Description of the land
• Signatures of both parties

7. Seller's Identity Documents

Get copies of the seller's:

• Ghana Card (National ID)
• Previous title documents (how they acquired the land)
• Tax clearance certificate

8. Land Valuation Report

From the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission. Shows the official assessed value of the property. Required for stamp duty calculation and registration.

Documents You Should NOT Accept

• Photocopies only — always insist on originals
• Documents without stamps or seals — legitimate documents have official markings
• Handwritten deeds — proper indentures are typed and follow legal format
• Documents with inconsistent names or dates — could indicate forgery

Use our free Land Deal Risk Check to verify your documents are in order. Read about the complete Accra land buying checklist or learn to check land titles in Ghana.