Landguards (land guards)

Land guarding grew out of disputed land claims, double sales and weak enforcement, especially on the edges of growing cities. A typical pattern:

• a group occupies or patrols a parcel, sometimes for a family or individual who claims it;
• when a buyer starts work, they demand "digging", "foundation" or "roofing" money;
• they threaten workers, damage materials or block access if not paid.

The law. The Land Act 2020 makes it an offence to use force or threats to control land, to stop a lawful owner developing it, or to extort money from people with an interest in land. The penalties are in the figures. The Lands Commission has said that the person who hires landguards is also liable. Arrests and prosecutions continued in 2025 and 2026.

Protecting yourself:

• Do an official search and confirm the grantor's authority before paying.
• Visit the site several times and talk to neighbours about any disputes.
• Register your indenture quickly.
• If you meet landguards, do not pay; report them to the police and keep records.

After you have bought. Fence or wall the land, place clear signs with your name and registration details, visit regularly and keep the neighbours informed. Unused land is more likely to be encroached on.

Reporting. Report threats or demands to the police with photos, names and dates, and keep copies of your indenture and search results ready to show.

Problems are most reported on the expanding edges of Greater Accra and in parts of the Central Region near Kasoa, and in Kumasi's growing suburbs. They are less common where land is already built up and registered.