Food is essential to human survival. Lack of food lowers production levels, which has an impact on a nation’s economy. A third of Ghana’s GDP comes from agriculture. Due to this, many people, especially the youth, are encouraged to start farming. My name is Anita, a realtor at Sundance Limited. If you’re after information about buying land as a foreigner in Ghana, our company Sundance is here to help.
You may have found your calling in agriculture and want to pursue it. Or you just want to invest in farming since it has a ready market because people eat every day. The first step towards this purpose is to find a place to farm. So, are you looking to purchase land in Ghana? Do you want to know how to acquire farmland in Ghana? If your answer is ‘yes’ to the above questions, this article is for you.
This article explores how to acquire farmland in Ghana, whether as a foreigner or a Ghanaian. If you need more information on buying land in Ghana, Sundance Estates can help. Feel free to add us on Whatsapp on 00233201924859. You can also join our Facebook group here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/landforsaleinghana
What Is Farming Land?
Farming land, or agricultural land or farmland, is a term used to describe a piece of land used for agricultural activities such as growing crops, keeping livestock, or other similar activities. It usually consists of farmland, meadows, orchards, and other places used for agricultural production. Farming land is distinguished from other forms like residential, commercial, or industrial areas because it is specially designated and controlled for agricultural uses.
Different types of land are better and more suitable for farming depending on the topography, climate, soil fertility, and access to water resources. Farming land can be used for various agricultural activities, including planting, irrigating, fertilizing, harvesting, and grazing cattle. Farmers and agricultural workers use these lands to raise livestock like cattle, sheep, chickens, or pigs and crops like grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
What Is The Difference Between Farming and Residential Land in Ghana?
Local government agencies and land-use policies often control the classification and use of land. Ghana’s Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925) establishes rules for distributing and utilizing land nationwide. The main difference between farming and residential land in Ghana is that farming land is generally used for agricultural pursuits, including raising animals, cultivating crops, and other agricultural activities.
It is designed to produce agricultural goods like food, cash crops, or other things. However, land designated as residential is meant to be used for home construction and community development. It is set aside for residential development, including building houses, apartments, and other infrastructure. So in this setting, it is common to find social amenities like parks, schools, hospitals, churches, marketplaces, etc.
Can a Foreigner Buy Farming Land in Ghana?
Yes, foreigners can purchase farmland in Ghana. Whether the foreigner purchases the farmland outright or through a leasehold interest will determine this. In the event of a sale, a foreigner will indeed have perpetual ownership rights in the property since the seller will transfer such rights to the buyer in the form of registered title certificates containing the buyer’s name.
But if it’s a leasehold, the foreigner’s ownership rights are only valid for fifty years or less, depending on the lease terms between the lessor and the foreigner. Where a land sale is anticipated, the issue arises when the seller offers a lease agreement instead. Once the foreigner signs it, his or her ownership rights over that parcel of land are inevitably restricted.
Some landowners rather prefer to lease than sell their lands. However, some prefer to sell it outrightly. You should know what you are going for so you don’t find yourself in any unpleasant situation.
Important Steps To Buying Farmland in Ghana
Here are some important steps you should never overlook when buying farmland in Ghana.
Entity You Buy Land From
When you’re ready to buy farmland, the most common way to buy property is by working with a real estate or land agent. A land agent is a professional who can help you buy land. Another alternative is to sell directly to landowners. To find a trusted land agent in Ghana, search online. There are many great choices to choose from. Remember that buying from a land agent nearby the area of your choice would be wise.
Another choice is to contact the legal landowners of the land or the chief, depending on the type of land. You must speak with the landowner or the chief to arrange a meeting. A land purchase agreement must be completed in person at the meeting. The agreement will detail the land’s location, price, conditions, and ownership records.
Location of The Farmland
You can be on the look for advertisements that put farmland for sale in Kumasi because there are great farmlands in that area. It is also common knowledge that there is farmland for sale in the Eastern region of Ghana. You must consider the local climate, geography, soil type, and whether it will favor what type of farming you will be venturing into.
And these areas tick those boxes. Any potential buyer at this time must perform their due diligence before investing money. When buying land in Ghana, several issues can occur. Some of these issues can even lead to protracted legal disputes. You must therefore be careful to stay away from them. For land purchases in Ghana, as a foreigner, you must provide documents like your passport, proof of income, and, if necessary, your residence permit.
The other documents needed include site layout, the land’s deed, an Environmental permit (If needed), documents for business registration (if buying as a corporation), and any further records that the Lands Commission may require. After completing the contract, you must pay the land price and acquire the land title documents.
How Can A Foreigner Register and Buy Farming Land in Ghana?
Here are some things to remember as a foreigner when buying and registering farmland in Ghana.
Identity of the Vendor
Verifying the seller’s legal identity is the first and most important step in buying farmland in Ghana. Knowing the vendor’s identity ensures you interact with the appropriate individual. There are several ways to do this. You can speak with the vendor, obtain his identification card, and visit the National Identification Authority (NIA) to confirm that identity’s validity.
If the vendor is unwilling or unable to collaborate, this is a warning flag that you should not ignore.
Verification of Title Documents
If you’re contemplating purchasing farmland in Ghana, check the land titles. The following papers may need to be on the lookout for a title document with an indenture or lease. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you spend any money. Visit the farms and take a look around. Additionally, the value of the land may be lower than you initially think due to a number of variables, including unresolved legal matters or rival claims to the property.
You can avoid unpleasant surprises by reading the titles.
Investigation About Farmland
One of the most important steps in purchasing property in Ghana is to ask the right questions and conduct thorough research about the farmland at the Lands Commission, the Customary Land Secretariat, or even with the residents in the area. Doing this ensures that the land records the buyer receives from the seller match those on file with the local Customary Land Secretariat or Department of the Regional Lands Commission.
When doing searches at the Lands Commission, the farmland’s coordinates are used. So if, for instance, you want to acquire land for sale in the Ashanti region, asking your surveyor to create the search site plan on your behalf is a fantastic idea. Asking the locals can also be helpful because information can be transferred quickly, and they frequently know the area’s original owner.
Contract for Farmland
The following stage establishes a contract to govern the transaction once your research is complete and there is no suspicious activity. You may purchase the property if you are satisfied that it is unencumbered, that you are dealing with the proper vendor, and that the land is properly documented. Ensure that all of the terms the parties have agreed to are included.
Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure you agree to a land sale rather than a farmland lease. This is particularly valid if the parties agree to a land sale rather than a lease. Payment may now be paid, and the ownership rights will be regarded to have been transferred by signing the sales agreement.
Register Title Documents At The Lands Commission
Ensure the title documents are registered at the Regional Lands Commission, where the farmland is located, as soon as you receive them. The appropriate update was made to the new owner status, bearing your details.
Summary
To end, it would be wise to go through this entire process with a lawyer or an experienced real estate agent well-versed in Ghanaian real estate law so that you can easily acquire your farmland. I also remind you to join our Facebook group, or whatsapp us on 00233201924859, if you need more information on how to acquire farmland in Ghana.
FAQs
Which area is best to farm in Ghana?
In the center of Ghana, in the Ashanti Region, there are rich soils and an ideal environment for farming. It is renowned for its corn, yams, plantains, and cocoa crops. The middle-belt region of Ghana, known as the Brong-Ahafo, is endowed with hospitable weather patterns and excellent soils. It is a significant producer of food crops like maize and yam and commercial crops like cocoa, rubber, and oil palm.
How do I get land for farming in Ghana?
To get land for farming, you must choose the district or region where you want to start a farm and meet with a landowner, chief, or verified land agent. Consider elements including weather, soil quality, market closeness, and infrastructure. Then consult the regional Lands Commission and locals with the aid of a lawyer to know what you are getting into.
How much is 1 hectare of land in Ghana?
In Ghana, there is no set price for agricultural land. This is so because certain elements have an impact on pricing, like location, demand, and proximity to amenities. However, you can buy farmland in Ghana with around GHS 8000.
How long do you own a land in Ghana?
How long you possess land in Ghana depends on whether you purchased it outright or it was leased to you. You have up to 50 years of ownership rights in a leasehold as a foreigner. The leasehold interest lasts 99 years for Ghanaians. However, once the land is purchased, the buyer will always have ownership rights.
How much does farm land cost in Ghana?
In Ghana, there is no set price for agricultural land. This is so because certain elements, such as location, demand, and proximity to amenities, impact pricing. However, you can buy farmland in Ghana with around GHS 8000.
How many plots make 1 acre?
Four plots make 1 acre.