Over 98% of Ghana’s land outside title registration system – Court of Appeal judge

Osei-Tutu says more than 13 regions are yet to be declared registration districts

A Justice of the Court of Appeal, Alexander Osei-Tutu, has disclosed that over 98 per cent of land in Ghana cannot be registered under the land title system, a situation he says has significantly contributed to the persistent land disputes across the country.

Speaking on land administration challenges, Justice Osei-Tutu explained that land title registration, which guarantees an indefeasible, state-backed title, is currently limited to areas officially declared as registration districts by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.

According to a graphic.com.gh report on January 20, 2026, he explained that only the Greater Accra Region, some parts of Kumasi, Kasoa and its environs had been declared as registration districts, with the rest of the country not having that status; a system he described as weak and prone to abuse.

Justice Osei-Tutu noted that although land title registration was introduced 40 years ago under the Land Title Registration Law, 1986 (PNDCL 152), and later incorporated into the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), more than 13 regions are yet to be declared registration districts.

Land Registration In Ghana: A tale of multiple registration regimes

He warned that the prolonged delay in expanding the system nationwide continues to worsen land disputes, as deeds registration allows for the registration of multiple instruments over the same parcel of land.

Providing statistics, Justice Osei-Tutu said the Greater Accra Region covers about 3,245 square kilometres, representing 1.4 per cent of Ghana’s total land size of 238,533 square kilometres.

Parts of Kumasi under the registration district cover approximately 309 square kilometres, representing 0.13 per cent, while Kasoa and its environs cover 56.732 square kilometres, accounting for 0.0238 per cent.

“In percentage terms, land falling within registration districts in these three areas is less than two per cent of Ghana’s entire land size,” he added.

He stressed that none of the remaining 13 regions has been declared a registration district, meaning that more than 98 per cent of Ghana’s land falls outside the land title registration regime.

Justice Osei-Tutu called for the urgent expansion of registration districts across the country, increased access to formal land registration, and greater public education on the importance of land title registration.

“Ghana needs to expand the registration districts, increase access to formal land registration, and promote awareness about the importance of title registration to ensure secure land rights and a more stable future,” he added.

MRA/AE

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