Public forum on lands held in Takoradi

Takoradi, Nov. 10, GNA - Mr Joseph Owusu-Sarfo, leader of Deed Registry Task Team, on Wednesday called for proper documentation of land transactions saying, customary arrangements based on oral dealings were the cause of many litigations and boundary disputes. Mr Owusu-Sarfo said the country's Land Registration System provides the means for recognizing property rights and for regulating the character and transfer of these rights.

He was speaking at a public forum on Land Documentation and Deed Registration System in Ghana in Takoradi. It was organised by the Land Administration Project Unit (LAPU) and the Lands Commission. Mr Owusu-Sarfo said Deed Registration and Land Title registration were two systems of land registration in the country. He said Deed Registration is currently practiced in all regions in Ghana, except Greater Accra and in the Kumasi metropolis in Ashanti where land title registration is the dominant system.

Mr Owusu-Sarfo said the Land Registry Act which establishes Deed Registration, covers leases, sub-leases, conveyances, assignments, mortgages, deed of gift, tenancy agreements, probate and will, letters of administration, vesting, assents, re-entry notices, statutory declarations and powers of attorney in relation to land". He said despite the inherent weaknesses in the Act, the Deed Registration System has provided evidence of title to land in the country for more than 100 years.

Mr Owusu-Sarfo said some of the advantages of the Deed Registration System were certainty of ownership and security of tenure and that it establishes and facilitates land transfers in land markets, provide security on credit, reduce land disputes and generates income.