Planning to build your dream home? Prof Gyan highlights key things to consider before land purchase

Private legal practitioner Prof Kwame Gyan has cautioned prospective homeowners to conduct extensive checks before purchasing land, warning that attractive plots could lead to flooding, land litigation and ownership disputes. In a recent interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Prof Gyan, a leading legal expert in Ghana, emphasized the importance of considering location, accessibility, flood risk, land dispute history and ownership status when buying land.

He advised buyers to prioritize the land's proximity to their workplace, traffic conditions, and the time spent commuting, particularly if the property is intended to be their permanent residence. Prof Gyan cautioned against purchasing land in flood-prone areas, stating that despite lower land prices, such locations could result in significant property damage.

He cited recent flooding events in parts of Tse Addo, where residents were forced to relocate due to underwater conditions. He also cautioned buyers about purchasing land already involved in litigation, advising them to seek professional advice and investigate the property's history and ownership status before making a purchase.

Prof Gyan warned that even established areas could experience ownership disputes, and urged buyers to investigate whether an area has a history of litigation. He emphasized the heightened risks in peri-urban areas, where land conversion from agricultural to residential or commercial use increases the likelihood of disputes. Prof Gyan identified parts of Accra's outskirts, such as the Amasaman-Pokuase corridor, as areas requiring particular caution, as well as coastal regions along Kokrobite to Tema Port.