Ghana (pop. 19 million, GDP/cap US$542) is a very poor country. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, it was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from Britain in 1957.
After independence there was a long power struggle between civilians and the military. Jerry Rawlings overthrew the government in 1979, and gained popularity by instituting price controls. He relinquished power to an elected government headed by President Hilla Limann (1979–81), but soon overthew Limann. He then abolished the constitution, suppressed dissent, and established a program of self-sufficiency and austerity, while surviving four coup attempts. He won free presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, serving until 2001
John Kufuor succeeded him, following a victory in the December 2000 presidential elections, and won a second term in 2004.
The economy managed to expand under Rawlings, averaging 4% annual GDP growth from 1992 to 2000. The recovery of global gold and cocoa prices (the country’s major export commodities) helped in the early 2000’s. Better management by the present government has restored macroeconomic stability.
There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Ghana. However, there are four forms of land ownership, some of which cannot be privately owned. Each involves differing modes of acquisition. These are: Government Land, Vested Land, Customary/Stool Land, and Family/Private Land.
Potential buyers should first consult the Ghana Investment Promotion Center regarding procedures, and to be directed to the appropriate agencies involved in legally acquiring property, since identifying legal ownership can be a problem.
There are about 40,000 expatriates in Ghana. Most chose to live in the capital, Accra. Expat communities with large, detached houses with gardens and garages can be found just outside the city centre. Most of these are secure, with gates and guards on duty at night.
After independence there was a long power struggle between civilians and the military. Jerry Rawlings overthrew the government in 1979, and gained popularity by instituting price controls. He relinquished power to an elected government headed by President Hilla Limann (1979–81), but soon overthew Limann. He then abolished the constitution, suppressed dissent, and established a program of self-sufficiency and austerity, while surviving four coup attempts. He won free presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, serving until 2001
John Kufuor succeeded him, following a victory in the December 2000 presidential elections, and won a second term in 2004.
The economy managed to expand under Rawlings, averaging 4% annual GDP growth from 1992 to 2000. The recovery of global gold and cocoa prices (the country’s major export commodities) helped in the early 2000’s. Better management by the present government has restored macroeconomic stability.There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Ghana. However, there are four forms of land ownership, some of which cannot be privately owned. Each involves differing modes of acquisition. These are: Government Land, Vested Land, Customary/Stool Land, and Family/Private Land.
Potential buyers should first consult the Ghana Investment Promotion Center regarding procedures, and to be directed to the appropriate agencies involved in legally acquiring property, since identifying legal ownership can be a problem.There are about 40,000 expatriates in Ghana. Most chose to live in the capital, Accra. Expat communities with large, detached houses with gardens and garages can be found just outside the city centre. Most of these are secure, with gates and guards on duty at night.
RENTAL YIELDS
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2005
A 200 sq. m house would cost about US$150,000 (GHC1.43 billion), and would rent for around US$750 (GHC.2 million) per month, giving a gross rental yield of around 6 to 8%. Residential property prices are around US$700 – US$750 per sq. m (GHC6.7 – 7.2 million).The rental market in Accra is relatively large with 37.5% of all households renting (only 22% for Ghana as a whole). Only about 40.4% of households in Accra claim ownership of their houses (57.4% for Ghana), while another 20.5% live rent-free (19.5% for Ghana). The remaining 1.6% of housing is employer-provided (4.5% for Ghana).
