West Africa continues to attract foreign investment in property and infrastructure — but many investors soon discover that land ownership in the region can be fraught with legal risks.

Despite the promise of high returns, foreign nationals face unique challenges in acquiring, protecting, and developing real estate in countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and others.

Common Risks Faced by Foreign Investors

1. Double Sales & Title Fraud

Land may be sold to multiple buyers — especially when proper registration isn’t completed. In some cases, a second buyer registers title before the foreign investor finalizes documentation.

2. Improper or Void Land Transactions

Foreigners often invest in leaseholds or stool lands without proper due diligence, rendering the transaction void under local law — or subject to future legal challenge by chiefs or family heads.

3. Blockages at Lands Commission or Deeds Registry

Even after acquiring land, many investors struggle to register title or obtain approvals for development due to red tape, internal disputes, or “land mafia” interference.

4. Political Interference or Host Community Disputes

In areas with community lands or mining zones, investors are often caught in the crossfire between local factions, claimants, or political actors.

5. Litigation-Free Land That Isn’t Litigation-Free

Land advertised as clean or litigation-free often has ongoing disputes, caveats, or unregistered family claims that surface years later — especially during development.

How Clinton Consultancy Protects Foreign Investors

At Clinton Consultancy, we combine international legal standards with deep local experience in Ghana and Sierra Leone to deliver the following services:

Real Estate Due Diligence
– Full title verification
– Customary land tracing (including stool/family consent)
– Registration history review
– Litigation-free confirmations
– Search for previous court judgments, caveats, and pending cases

Title Perfection & Registration
– Filing at Lands Commission / Deeds Registry
– Lease reviews, rectifications & corrections
– GIPC and investment compliance (for foreigners)

Litigation & Asset Recovery
– High Court representation
– Eviction of trespassers / encroachers
– Rescission of fraudulent land transfers
– Compensation & recovery from sellers

Investor Representation & Strategic Lobbying
– Negotiations with local authorities or chiefs
– Ministry of Lands engagement
– Handling land guards and informal threats
– Police & EOCO complaints for criminal fraud

Case Studies (Examples)

A South African investor in Accra
who unknowingly purchased land from a stool secretary without proper consent. We voided the sale by the impostor and registered the corrected lease with full protection from further interference.

A UK-Ghanaian dual citizen
who purchased beachfront land in Sierra Leone only to discover it had been sold 3 times. Through court action and community negotiation, we restored possession and secured title regularization.

A Dubai-based petroleum investor
blocked from registering a $4 million plot by corrupt local officials. We led litigation, political engagement, and a high-level mediation that cleared the file and recovered the property.

Why Foreign Investors Choose Clinton Consultancy

Presence in Ghana & Sierra Leone
Mastery of both statutory and customary law
Led by Amanda Clinton — international barrister
Proactive due diligence + litigation
Trusted by investors, embassies & international firms

Before You Invest — Or If You’re Already in Dispute

Foreigners must not assume that standard legal protections apply automatically in West African real estate. The legal terrain requires strategic navigation and local insight.

Contact Clinton Consultancy today if:

You plan to invest in real estate in Ghana or Sierra Leone
You are facing obstacles registering or developing property
Your land has been encroached, resold, or blocked
You seek advice on structuring your investment legally

Get in Touch

Clinton Consultancy — Presidential Floor, Movenpick, Ridge, Accra
Call/WhatsApp: +233 27 252 2695
Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com