Lands Commission launches online search service in 10 regions

The Lands Commission of Ghana has launched a new online search service to allow prospective land buyers to verify property details and ownership electronically. Currently available across 10 regions, including Greater Accra and the newly created regions, the initiative aims to streamline the land verification process and reduce the prevalence of fraudulent transactions and litigation in the real estate sector. The digital transition allows for a more efficient way to confirm land details before any financial commitments are made.

Under the new system, buyers are no longer required to visit the commission's offices physically to initiate a search. Instead, they can submit site plans and pay the necessary search fees via mobile money platforms. Once the process is completed, the commission issues electronic reports that confirm the legal status of the land and the legal authority of the seller. Acting Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Raphael Hokey, emphasized that conducting these searches is an essential step for buyers to avoid competing claims and potential financial losses.

The introduction of the online service comes as the commission seeks to address deep-seated issues in Ghana’s land administration, particularly regarding customary and family-owned lands. Mr. Hokey noted that poor record-keeping, unclear boundaries, and the lack of formal registration for allodial interests frequently lead to family disputes and the phenomenon of "double sales." He pointed out that many customary landowners have failed to document their holdings properly, making it difficult for buyers to establish who has the rightful legal authority to sell a specific parcel of land.

To mitigate these risks, the Lands Commission is urging the public to engage in thorough due diligence before making any payments. This includes performing official searches, physically inspecting boundaries, and verifying the identities of representatives for customary lands. The commission has also established a complaints center to handle public inquiries directly, advising citizens to avoid using unauthorized intermediaries who often facilitate fraudulent deals. This digital shift is part of a broader effort to modernize land records and improve the ease of doing business in Ghana’s property market.