Ghana’s stunning coastline, with its pristine beaches and breathtaking oceanfront views, has long been a magnet for real estate investors, particularly Ghanaians living abroad (the diaspora). Many diasporans dream of owning a piece of this paradise, either as a vacation home, a retirement haven, or an investment property. However, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare when scammers exploit the complexities of land ownership in Ghana. One of the most common and devastating scams involves multiple sellers claiming ownership of the same oceanfront property. Here’s how such a scam typically unfolds.
In 2022, Kwame Asante*, a successful Ghanaian living in the United States, decided to invest in a piece of oceanfront property in Ghana. He had always dreamed of retiring by the sea and wanted to secure a prime location while prices were still relatively affordable. After months of searching online and consulting with friends and family in Ghana, Kwame came across a listing for a beautiful oceanfront plot in a developing area near Ada Foah, a popular coastal town. The property was advertised as having clear title deeds and direct access to the beach. The seller, a man named John Mensah*, claimed to be the rightful owner and provided documents that appeared legitimate.
Kwame, eager to secure the property, traveled to Ghana to inspect the land. John showed him the plot, which was indeed in a prime location with stunning ocean views. Kwame was impressed and, after some negotiation, agreed to purchase the property for $60,000. John provided what seemed to be genuine land documents, including a site plan, indenture, and a signed deed of conveyance. Kwame even took the extra step of consulting a local lawyer, who reviewed the documents and confirmed that they appeared to be in order. Confident in his purchase, Kwame paid the full amount and returned to the U.S., excited about his new investment.
A few months later, Kwame received a shocking phone call from a relative in Ghana. Someone else was claiming ownership of the same oceanfront property and had begun developing the land. The new claimant, a man named Samuel Owusu*, insisted that he was the rightful owner and produced his own set of documents to prove it. Samuel claimed that John Mensah had sold him the same property years earlier and that Kwame had been defrauded.
Kwame was devastated. He immediately contacted John Mensah, but the man had disappeared. His phone number was no longer in service, and his last known address turned out to be fake. Kwame then sought legal help in Ghana, but the process was slow and expensive. His lawyer explained that this was a classic case of a multiple-seller scam, where fraudsters sell the same piece of land to multiple buyers, often using forged documents.
The multiple-seller scam is a well-known real estate fraud in Ghana, particularly in high-demand areas like oceanfront properties. Here’s how it typically works:
Kwame’s dream of owning an oceanfront property turned into a financial and emotional disaster. He lost $60,000, and the legal battle to reclaim the property or recover his money is ongoing. The experience has left him wary of investing in Ghanaian real estate, despite his love for his homeland.
Kwame’s story is a cautionary tale for diasporans looking to invest in property in Ghana. Here are some key lessons:
In conclusion, while Ghana’s oceanfront properties offer incredible opportunities, they also come with significant risks. Scammers are always on the lookout for unsuspecting buyers, and the multiple-seller scam is just one of many schemes that can leave investors like Kwame with nothing but regret. For diasporans, the dream of owning a piece of paradise must be pursued with caution, diligence, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved.