Buying land in Ghana is exciting. It’s one of those “big life” moments. However, it can also turn into a headache if you skip one crucial step: getting a professional surveyor involved. Surveyors are the people who check the land for you, make sure it matches the documents, and confirm you’re actually buying what you think you’re buying, with no surprises, no hidden disputes.
Let’s talk about why a surveyor should be your first call before you hand over a single cedi.
Why a Land Surveyor is Essential in Land Deals
Too many people have bought land only to find out later that part of it belongs to a neighbour, it’s either smaller than they were told, or that it’s sitting right in a government road reservation. A lot of land problems in Ghana also come from unclear boundaries, fake documents, or selling the same plot to multiple people.
A surveyor’s job is to make sure none of this happens to you. They’ll tell you exactly what’s on the ground after verifying the exact size, shape, and location of the land before you buy it. They basically confirm whether what the seller is claiming matches reality.
If you skip this step, you might end up buying land that overlaps with someone else’s property, paying for more land than actually exists, or getting involved in boundary disputes with neighbours. You may also end up discovering later that the land you bought is in a waterway or under a road reservation.
What do Surveyors do?
When you hire a surveyor, the first thing they do is to check the site. The surveyor visits the land in person with their tools to take accurate measurements. Then they confirm the boundaries; they’d identify the boundary points and mark them clearly, often with concrete pillars.
Having confirmed the boundaries, they’d compare them with official records. Using maps and records from the Lands Commission, they check if the land matches the registered plan or if there are conflicts.
When that’s done, they prepare a site plan for you. This is an official document showing the land’s dimensions, location, and coordinates. It’s needed for land registration.
A surveyor also advises on issues. Let’s say the land is in a flood zone, road reservation, or already in dispute; they’ll flag it for you.
Understanding Land Measurement in Ghana
Land measurement in Ghana can be tricky because different units are used—acres, hectares, and plots. In Ghana, one acre equals four plots. This is standard, though sizes can vary by area. A hectare is the equivalent of 2.47 acres. Plot sizes are often 100 x 70 feet, but this can change depending on the location.
Surveyors use GPS and other modern tools to give exact measurements, so you’re not relying on guesses, verbal descriptions, or the seller’s “eyeball” measurements.
Licensed vs. Unlicensed Surveyors
Beware, though. Always hire a licensed surveyor in Ghana, that is someone recognised by the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) or the Survey and Mapping Division of the Lands Commission.
A licensed surveyor’s work is legally recognised, which means: your site plan can be lodged at the Lands Commission. Your survey results will hold up in court if there’s ever a dispute. And you’ll avoid fake or poorly done surveys that cause more problems later.
Unlicensed surveyors may charge less, but you risk getting inaccurate or unacceptable documents.
How to Hire a Good Surveyor
First things first: get a professional surveyor, not ‘your friend who knows land’. Check their license; ask to see their official certification. Two, look for local experience. It’s a given that a surveyor who knows the area well will be familiar with common boundary issues there.
You can get recommendations; ask friends, agents, or lawyers for referrals. When you do get one, be sure to agree on the scope and fees. Know exactly what they’ll do and how much it’ll cost before they start. It’s much safer this way.
Why Surveyors are Your First Safety Net
In Ghana’s fast-growing property market, surveyors are your early warning system. They keep you safe from fraudulent sales, encroachment by neighbours, buying in unsafe or unsuitable locations, and losing money to fake documents.
Think of it this way: if you’re spending tens of thousands of cedis on land, spending a fraction of that on a proper survey is just the ideal thing to do.
Conclusion
Acquiring land safely in Ghana starts with the right professionals. A land survey in Ghana done by a licensed surveyor using proper land measurement methods is your best defence against costly mistakes.
Don’t take the seller’s word for it, and don’t trust verbal boundaries. Let a surveyor put it on paper, measure it on the ground, and back it up with official records. It’s the smartest step you can take before signing that cheque.