The backbone of any economy lies in agriculture. This is because human beings depend on food to survive. Without food, productivity levels are reduced; this, therefore, affects the economy of a country. Agriculture accounts for one-third of Ghana’s GDP. So a lot of people are encouraged to take up farming. Thus, the effect of agriculture and farming in a country cannot be underestimated.
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 be one of those who have discovered a love for farming and want to put this love to use. So, are you looking to purchase land in Ghana? Do you want to know how to acquire farmland in Ghana?
Well, I have good news for you. This article will explain how to buy farming and agricultural land in Ghana. Ghana has good soil, which aids in the growth of certain crops like cocoa, tomatoes, plantain, cocoyam, cassava, etc. So you will not regret investing in viable land for your farming. If you need more information on buying farm land in ghana or want to browse through available farm land for sale in Ghana to run your business, the staff here at Sundance Ghana Estates can help. Feel free to contact me on Whatsapp at 00233201924859. You can also join our Facebook group here.
What Is Farming Land?
Typically, farming land is used for agriculture, which is the planned and regulated use of other kinds of life, primarily raising cattle and growing crops, to provide food for people. Both agriculture or cropland and pasture or rangeland are commonly considered to be synonymous with it. Usually, when farming land is mentioned, the first thing that most people think of is growing crops. However, farming land can be used for much more. These include fish farming, rearing domesticated animals, or keeping a ranch.
What Is The Difference Between Farming and Residential Land in Ghana?
Farming land is maintained purposely for agricultural activities, including farming food crops, rearing animals like cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits, and water-based farming such as rearing catfish and tilapia. On the other hand, for zoning purposes, residential land is meant for housing and not for commercial or farming purposes. Social facilities usually surround residential land to enable domicile. Such facilities include schools, churches, markets, parks, gyms, other houses, etc.
Can a Foreigner Buy Farming Land in Ghana?
Yes, A foreigner can buy farming land in Ghana. This depends on whether the foreigner gets the farmland on a sale or a leasehold interest. If it is a sale, then yes, a foreigner owns perpetual ownership rights in that land because the seller will transfer ownership rights to the foreigner in the form of registered title documents bearing the name of that foreigner.
However, if it is a leasehold, the ownership rights vested in the foreigner are only for fifty years or less, depending on the agreement between the lessor and that foreigner. The problem is when the seller provides a lease agreement where a land sale is intended. Once the foreigner signs that, this invariably limits his/her ownership rights over that piece of land.
Important Steps To Buying Farmland in Ghana
Here are some important steps to guide you when buying farmland in Ghana.
Know Whom You Buy The Farmland From
When you are ready to purchase your farmland, the most typical method is using a land agent to purchase land. A land agent is a specialist who can assist you in purchasing land. Direct sales to landowners are another option. You can search online to locate a verified land agent in Ghana. Another option is to reach out to legitimate owners or the chief of farmlands.
So, you must contact the landowner or chief and set up a meeting. You must fill out a land purchase agreement at the meeting. The agreement will include information about the land’s location, cost, terms, and land ownership documents. It would be prudent to buy from an agent close to the region of your choice.
So, if you want to buy farmland for sale in the Central region of Ghana, or there is farmland for sale in Kumasi, Ghana, that you want to invest in, get a good agent within that region or who has ties to that region to make the land acquisition process easier.
Consider Where You Are Buying The Farmland
The location is the most crucial aspect to take into account while purchasing land in Ghana. You can be on the look for advertisements that put farmland for sale in Kumasi. 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 favour what type of farming you will be venturing into. The type of farmland you can buy, the price, and the area of agriculture depends on the location, so be mindful of that.
Farmland Buying Process
Before committing money, any prospective buyer must conduct their due diligence at this point. Many complications arise when purchasing land in Ghana, some even resulting in long years of litigation. Therefore, you must take care to avoid them. You will need to supply documentation for land transactions in Ghana, including your passport and proof of income. You must pay the land price and obtain the land title documentation after the agreement is finished.
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.
Check the Legitimate Identity of The Seller
The first crucial step in purchasing farmland in Ghana is to confirm the legitimate identity of the seller. By learning who the vendor is, you are certain you are dealing with the right person. There are various methods for doing this. You can get in touch with the seller, get his identification card and go to the National Identification Authority to verify the legitimacy of that identity. You must not overlook a warning sign if the vendor is reluctant or unable to cooperate.
Investigate Title Documents of Seller
Verify the land titles if you’re thinking about buying farmland in Ghana. You may need to look out for the following papers: Indenture or lease and a title document. Before you spend money, be sure of what you’re purchasing. Go to the farmland and look around for yourself. Additionally, several factors, such as unresolved legal issues or competing claims to the property, may make the land less valuable than you initially believe. By looking at the titles, you may put your mind at ease and prevent unpleasant shocks.
Make Enquiries About Farmland
Asking the necessary questions and doing diligent searches about the farmland at the Lands Commission, the Customary Land Secretariat or even with the locals in the vicinity is a crucial step in buying land in Ghana. This is done to ensure that the land documents received from the seller match those registered with the Department of the Lands Commission or the Customary Land Secretariat in that region.
The coordinates of the farmland are used during searches at the Lands Commission. It is, therefore, a good idea to ask your surveyor to prepare the search site plan on your behalf. Asking locals can also be of huge help as information transfer is quicker, and they usually have an idea of the original owner of the farmland and whether it is the subject of any ongoing land dispute.
Agree the Sale Agreement of the Farmland
Once your investigation checks out and there is no funny business, the next step is to draft a contract to control the transaction. If you are certain that the property is free from encumbrances, you are working with the right seller, and the land has all the required paperwork protecting it, you can buy it. Ensure that the agreement contains all of the provisions that the parties have agreed to.
Another thing to note is to ensure that you consent to a land sale instead of a farmland lease. This is especially true if the buyer and seller have agreed to a land sale and not a lease. Signing the sales agreement means payment can now be made, and the ownership rights will be deemed to have passed from the seller to the buyer.
Get the Registration of Title Documents
Once you are handed the title documents, ensure that it is registered at the regional Lands Commission, where the farmland is located. The new owner status has been updated duly. On that note, you now own farmland.
Summary
In summary, Ghana’s land acquisition process can be tedious, but it is not impossible. This process can be quite a long one, so to make things easier on you, you can hire the services of a lawyer. However, if you can manage this by yourself, go for it! I also remind you to join our Facebook group, or whatsapp us on 00233201924859, if you need more information on buying farmlands.
FAQs
The Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions of the former Brong Ahafo region are the best areas to farm in Ghana. This region is popularly known as Ghana’s “food basket”. It is the leader in producing major staple crops, including maize. This subtly means the land is good for farming food crops
How do I get land for farming in Ghana?
If you want to get land for farming in Ghana, talk to verified land-selling agencies or experts.
How much is 1 hectare of land in Ghana?
The average price for 1 hectare of land in Ghana sells for GHS 1,210,000.00 or $275,000.
How long do you own a land in Ghana?
Depending on whether you bought a land or bought the land on a lease determines how long you own land in Ghana. As a foreigner, you hold ownership rights in a leasehold for up to 50 years. For Ghanaians, the leasehold interest is valid for 99 years. However, once the land is bought, ownership rights belong to the purchaser perpetually.
How much does farmland cost in Ghana?
There is no standard pricing for how much farmland costs in Ghana. This is because certain factors affect the pricing. However, if you have about GHS 8000, you can purchase farmland in Ghana.
How many plots make 1 acre?
Four plots make an acre.