GHANA Country Profile

Land Administration

Business Corruption

Registering property in Ghana is less time-consuming than the regional average. However, obtaining clear title over land is difficult and the US Department of State 2009 recommends that foreign companies make thorough searches at the Lands Commission to ascertain the identity of the true owner of any land being offered for sale. According to reports, the procedure related to registering property may be affected by demands for unofficial payments.

Political Corruption

In July 2005, a television crew was detained at former President Kufuor's residence for filming a neighbouring property that was allegedly purchased by Kufuor in his son's name using funds that were obtained illegally.

Frequency

The World Bank & IFC: Doing Business 2010:
- Registering property in Ghana requires a company to go through 5 administrative steps, taking an average of 34 days at a cost of 1.1% of the property value, which is significantly better than regional averages.

World Economic Forum: The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010:
- Business leaders give the protection of property rights in Ghana, including financial assets, a score of 4.3 on a 7-point scale (1 being 'very weak' and 7 'very strong').

Transparency International: Global Corruption Barometer 2009:
- 29% of the households surveyed who had contact with land services in 2008 reported to have paid a bribe.

- 43% of households consider grand or political corruption in land matters to be a 'very serious problem'.

- 54% of respondents consider bribes to land authorities to obtain favorable decisions a 'very serious problem' in Ghana.