Experts call for stricter enforcement of Land Act amid rising land disputes

Ghana is facing a serious land litigation crisis. Nearly 70% of legal cases involve land disputes.

At the fifth Law for Society event, experts called for urgent action. They want to enforce the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). This could help reduce fraudulent transactions and conflicts over land.

The annual forum was organized by the Robert Smith Law Group in Accra. It focused on “Land Acquisition in Ghana: The Law, Policy, and Practice.” Discussions highlighted issues like illegal sales and double ownership claims.

Yemano Bright Atoko from ABA Consult spoke to JoyNews. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of the Land Act. This would protect buyers and prevent fraud.

“The new Land Act bans land guard activities,” he said. “But enforcement is key. Laws won’t work without active implementation by the government and security agencies.”

Mr. Atoko advised buyers to do thorough research before purchasing land. Relying only on site plans can lead to expensive legal issues.

“If you only trust a site plan, you might end up in court,” he warned. Buyers should inspect the land personally and hire a surveyor to confirm ownership.

Bobbey Banson, Lead Consultant at Robert Smith Law Group, cautioned against unregistered agents. Proper certification is essential for safe land transactions.

Before hiring an agent, always ask: “Are you certified?” If they break the law, you can report them to the Real Estate Agency Council.

The forum featured important figures like Justice Alexander Osei Tutu and Nana Tabono Bonso III. Their presence highlighted the need for legal reforms and public awareness about land disputes in Ghana.