In a continued interview on Melody 91.1 FM’s PM Jam show hosted by Haruna Babangida, officials from the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands have demystified the often confusing processes of land acquisition, rent payments, and ownership rights in Ghana. The representatives, Mr. Evans Agbenyegah and Mr. Akwesi, provided detailed insights aimed at educating the public on how to properly acquire and maintain land ownership in Ghana without falling into legal trouble.
Land Acquisition is a Civic Duty — Not Just a Transaction
The officials reiterated that acquiring land in Ghana is not a one-off event but an ongoing civic responsibility that comes with the legal obligation of paying annual ground rent. This payment is not a fee to the Stool Lands Office itself, but revenue collected on behalf of traditional authorities, families, and the local district assemblies. The law mandates that the Stool Lands Office collects and disburses these funds, distributing them as follows:
- 10% for administrative purposes,
- 55% to district assemblies for community development,
- 20% to traditional authorities, and
- 25% to the stool or landowning entity.
“We do not own the lands. We manage and administer them for the landowners — the stools and families,” Mr. Akwesi clarified.
The Difference Between Lease, Tenancy, and Property Rate
The conversation further shed light on key legal terms. While leases are formal agreements that typically last 50 to 99 years depending on land use (commercial or residential), tenancies are short-term and often informal arrangements, commonly found in agricultural settings.
A major public confusion addressed was the distinction between ground rent and property rate. Ground rent is paid to the Administrator of Stool Lands upon acquiring land — whether or not a structure has been built. Property rate, on the other hand, is a tax levied by the government on completed buildings and collected separately.
Why Land is Expensive in Ghana
Addressing concerns about rising land prices, Mr. Evans explained that land is a fixed asset while Ghana’s population is constantly increasing. “When demand exceeds supply, prices go up — it’s basic economics,” he noted. The rising cost also stems from land’s growing economic value, especially in urban areas.
Challenges and the Role of Documentation
The officials emphasized the need for proper documentation to avoid disputes. Landowners without the right paperwork are vulnerable to re-entry — a legal process where chiefs or landholding families reclaim land due to non-payment or improper acquisition.
“We advise everyone to come to our offices before buying land. We’ll help you verify the ownership and ensure all legal processes are followed,” said Mr. Evans.
Combating Galamsey and Protecting Farmland
One major concern highlighted during the interview was illegal mining (galamsey) and its destructive impact on farmlands. The officials made it clear that the Stool Lands Office does not collect any revenue from illegal operations and actively discourages chiefs and families from leasing land to such activities.
Community Development Through Rent
Mr. Akwesi added that payments made through ground rent help fund community development such as road construction, electricity access, and water systems. “When people fail to pay, it doesn’t just hurt them; it hinders development in their own communities,” he stressed.
Payment is Affordable and Tailored
Reassuring potential landowners, the team explained that rent is affordable and calculated based on the land’s location, use, and the year of acquisition. The rates are reviewed every five years, making them adaptive to current economic conditions.
The Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands operates across all regions and districts in Ghana. For guidance or inquiries, individuals are encouraged to reach out via their official contact lines:
📞 0248430781
With misinformation and land disputes rampant across the country, the Stool Lands Office is taking commendable steps to educate the public. This latest outreach on Melody 91.1 FM offers clarity on a complex issue and encourages civic responsibility in land administration.
“When people understand, they avoid a lot of trouble,” Mr. Evans concluded.