Lands Commission launches online portal to conduct searches in 10 regions

The Lands Commission of Ghana has officially launched an online portal across 10 regions, enabling prospective land buyers to conduct official searches and verify property details electronically. This initiative is designed to streamline the land acquisition process, reduce fraudulent transactions, and mitigate the persistent challenge of land litigation. Currently available in regions including Greater Accra and the newly created administrative areas, the digital service allows users to submit site plans and pay search fees via mobile money, with search reports delivered to applicants electronically.

Acting Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Raphael Hokey, emphasized that this digitization is a critical step in modernizing land administration and making records more accessible to the public. He noted that the move aims to facilitate easier land acquisition by allowing buyers to verify ownership before making any financial commitments. The portal is intended to provide a transparent alternative to the traditional, often cumbersome manual search processes that have historically been vulnerable to delays and manipulation.

The Commission has also issued urgent guidelines for prospective buyers to navigate the complexities of Ghana's landownership system, particularly regarding customary and family lands. Hokey highlighted that poor record-keeping, unclear boundaries, and the lack of formal registration of allodial interests often lead to multiple claims over the same parcel. Buyers are strongly advised to perform thorough due diligence, which includes physical boundary inspections and formal verification of the seller’s legal authority, rather than relying solely on verbal assurances.

To further combat intermediary fraud, the Lands Commission has established a dedicated complaints center for public inquiries and is encouraging direct dealings with its offices. The Commission is also advocating for customary landowners to document their interests and establish customary land secretariats to improve administrative clarity. These measures, combined with the new online portal, represent a comprehensive effort to strengthen land security and protect investors from the significant financial losses associated with disputed property titles.