The questions to ask
Your property lawyer is your most important ally when buying land in Ghana. But how do you find one you can trust?
Finding the Right Lawyer
Get Referrals
Start by getting referrals from people who have successfully completed property transactions. Personal recommendations are gold.
Questions to Ask
Once you have names, ask these questions:
- How many diaspora clients have you represented in the last year?
- What is your experience with Lands Commission procedures?
- Can you provide references from recent clients?
- What are your fees and how are they structured?
- What will you personally handle versus delegate?
Red Flags
A good lawyer will be patient with your questions and provide clear answers. Red flags include:
- Reluctance to provide references
- Vague fee structures
- Pressure to skip due diligence steps
- No experience with diaspora clients
A good lawyer will tell you when a deal is bad. A great lawyer will save you from a bad deal.
Fee Structure
Property lawyers in Ghana typically charge 2-5% of the transaction value, plus out-of-pocket expenses. Be wary of lawyers who quote significantly below market rates.