Land ownership in Ghana is one of the most sensitive and complex issues affecting individuals, families, businesses, and investors. At the center of many land disputes is the persistent problem of land guards. Understanding land guard issues in Ghana is critical if you plan to buy land, invest in real estate, or inherit family property.
This article explains what land guards are, why they exist, the risks they pose, Ghana’s legal position, and how to protect yourself.
What Are Land Guards in Ghana?
Land guards are usually hired individuals or groups, often armed, engaged to protect or forcibly claim land on behalf of landowners, families, chiefs, or real estate developers. Their activities may include:
- Intimidation and threats
- Destruction of property
- Physical assault
- Blocking access to disputed land
- Forceful eviction of occupants
Although some landowners see them as “security,” land guards often operate outside the law.
Why Are Land Guard Issues So Common in Ghana?
Several systemic and historical factors have fueled the land guard problem:
1. Multiple Land Ownership Claims
It is common for the same piece of land to be sold to multiple buyers due to poor record-keeping and overlapping traditional ownership systems.
2. Customary Land Tenure System
About 80% of land in Ghana is under customary ownership, managed by stools, skins, clans, or families. This can lead to internal disputes and unauthorized land sales.
Learn more about land administration from the Lands Commission of Ghana:
https://www.lc.gov.gh
3. Weak Land Documentation
Unregistered or improperly documented land transactions make it easy for fraudsters to resell land or challenge ownership.
4. Slow Judicial Process
Court cases involving land can last for years. Some landowners resort to land guards as a shortcut to enforce claims.
5. Urbanization and Rising Land Value
Rapid development in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi has increased land value, intensifying conflicts and criminal involvement.
Are Land Guards Legal in Ghana?
No. Land guards are illegal.
The Government of Ghana has repeatedly declared land guard activities unlawful. In 2018, a special Anti-Land Guard Task Force was established to arrest and prosecute land guards and those who employ them.
According to the Ghana Police Service, hiring land guards is a criminal offense and can result in arrest and prosecution:
https://police.gov.gh
Dangers of Land Guard Activities
Land guard issues pose serious risks to individuals and national development:
- Loss of life and injuries
- Increased insecurity
- Discouragement of foreign investment
- Destruction of legitimate property
- Breakdown of trust in land transactions
For buyers, one wrong purchase can lead to financial ruin or years of litigation.
How to Protect Yourself from Land Guard Problems
If you plan to buy or own land in Ghana, follow these essential steps:
1. Conduct Thorough Land Search
Verify ownership at the Lands Commission and confirm that the land is litigation-free.
2. Engage a Qualified Lawyer
Never buy land without a land or property lawyer experienced in Ghanaian land law.
3. Avoid Cash-Only or Rushed Deals
Pressure tactics are a red flag. Legitimate sellers allow time for verification.
4. Register Your Land Immediately
Land registration strengthens your legal claim and reduces disputes.
5. Do Not Hire Land Guards
If disputes arise, use lawful means such as the courts or mediation.
Government Efforts to Solve Land Guard Issues
The Ghanaian government continues to address the problem through:
- Police task forces
- Public awareness campaigns
- Digitization of land records
- Land Act reforms (Land Act, 2020 – Act 1036)
These reforms aim to simplify land administration and reduce disputes over time.
Conclusion
Land guard issues in Ghana are rooted in weak land systems, rising land values, and legal delays. While the practice remains illegal and dangerous, individuals can protect themselves through due diligence, legal guidance, and proper land registration.
If you are buying land in Ghana, knowledge is your strongest defense. Always choose lawful processes over shortcuts.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified legal professional before entering land transactions.
