Freehold vs Leasehold in Ghana – What Every Diaspora Investor Must Know
If you’re a diaspora investor planning to buy land in Ghana, one of the first things you’ll hear about is freehold vs leasehold. The Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) made some important changes you should be aware of.
Here’s the truth: foreigners cannot own freehold in Ghana. Section 10 of the Act is really clear. If you are not a Ghanaian citizen, the maximum interest you can hold is a leasehold of 50 years. Even if someone tries to sell you “freehold,” it won’t stand in law.
For Ghanaians, freehold may still be possible in certain contexts, but even then, most family and stool lands are not allowed to be transferred as freehold anymore. So when coaching my fellow diasporans, I keep it simple. You cannot get Freehold property in Ghana.
Why this matters: If you’re thinking about generational wealth, this rule shapes HOW you plan. You may need to renew the lease for your children or set up a Ghanaian company with less than 40% foreign ownership if you want longer terms.
Takeaway: Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise — if you’re a non-Ghanaian, your maximum lease is 50 years. Build your strategy around that.
Yaba