Ghana succession & inheritance guide
A practical Ghana-specific guide: wills vs intestacy, Probate vs Letters of Administration, who can act vs who inherits, documents, banks & microfinance, land and property (self-acquired vs family/stool land), vehicles, SSNIT/employer benefits, debts, timelines, costs/statutory fees (high-level), disputes and scam prevention.
Start here: 90 seconds to avoid the most expensive mistakes (Ghana)
In Ghana, families lose months when they try to withdraw money, sell land, or “agree a split” before they have the right court authority.
The goal is not to be “fast at any cost”. It’s to stay in control, keep the estate safe, and get the right grant so institutions (banks, microfinance, Lands Commission workflows, DVLA, employers, insurers) can act lawfully.
🇬🇭 Ghana at a glance
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
- Most estate work turns on a Grant of Representation: Probate (there is a will) or Letters of Administration (no will).
- In intestate estates, family structure (spouse(s), children, dependants) and clean documents drive speed.
- Land is the usual time sink — especially where it is family/stool land or where the “paper title” does not match the “lived reality”.
- Some payouts (especially SSNIT / employer benefits / insurance) may run on a separate track. Start early.
The 10-second visual (the whole process)
Will? → Probate Grant Inventory + distribution approvals Transfer/Distribution
No will? → Letters of Administration Grant Inventory + distribution approvals Transfer/Distribution
There can be urgent/limited routes in some situations, but they are narrow, document-heavy, and not a “distribution licence”.
If today you can only do 3 things
- Secure core identity + relationship proof: death certificate, deceased’s ID/passport details, marriage proof (if any), children’s birth certificates/adoption orders.
- Make an asset map: land (type + location + documents), bank/microfinance/SACCO accounts, employer benefits, insurance, vehicles, business/shares — and who holds which documents/keys.
- Stop pressure-signatures: do not sign “family settlement” papers, broad indemnities, or land sale agreements until you understand the grant path and who legally inherits.
For immediate steps and funeral planning, use What to do after a death (Ghana) and Planning a funeral (Ghana).
Bottom line: In Ghana, “the key” is the correct grant + clean relationship proof + a disciplined paper trail (especially for land and multiple beneficiaries).
If you’re overwhelmed: what matters in the first 72 hours (legal focus)
This is not the full ‘what to do now’ pathway — it’s the legal/admin triage that prevents losses while the formal process begins.
3 moves that prevent most estate damage
- Lock down identity + relationship proof (IDs, death certificate, marriage proof, children’s documents). Most later disputes start here.
- Protect high-risk assets: land access/keys, vehicle keys/logbooks, phones/SIMs, and any cash handling (receipts).
- Stop digital fraud: no OTP/PIN sharing, no ‘help me access the account’, and no SIM swaps ‘to receive money’.
Time-sensitive actions (do these early)
- Start a single “estate file owner” (1–2 people) and a submission log: date, where filed, reference numbers, queries received.
- Request written checklists from banks/microfinance/employers/insurers (so you don’t chase moving targets).
- If urgent expenses exist, ask whether a narrow urgent/limited authority route is appropriate for your specific need (do not improvise).
Bottom line: In the first 72 hours, your legal win is control + evidence preservation, not “splitting assets quickly”.
Quick checklist: the first week (one-page, actionable)
A distilled plan you can print. This page stays within legal/admin scope — not funeral logistics or death registration steps.
First week checklist (legal/admin)
- Create a folder structure: (1) ID & relationships, (2) Land, (3) Banks/Microfinance/SACCOs, (4) Vehicles, (5) Benefits/Insurance, (6) Business, (7) Debts, (8) Correspondence & receipts.
- Name files consistently: “DeathCert.pdf”, “Deceased_ID.pdf”, “MarriageProof.pdf”, “BeneficiaryList.xlsx”, “Land_List.xlsx”.
- Draft one beneficiary list (names + ID numbers + relationship + phone). Use the same list everywhere.
- List assets by category: land, accounts, vehicles, shares, employer benefits, insurance, business interests.
- Write down land facts: is it self-acquired, family land, stool land, or under allocation? Who occupies it? Any boundary dispute?
- Contact employers/SSNIT/fund administrators/insurers for death-benefit checklists (in writing) and start that track early.
- Get current statements/positions for bank/microfinance/SACCO accounts and loans (where allowed), and start a debts register.
- If family facts are complex (customary marriage questions, polygamy, disputed spouse/child, minors), pause irreversible moves and get structured guidance early.
Red-flag list (pause and verify)
- Pressure to sell land immediately or accept deposits.
- Requests for OTPs/PINs/SIM access to “check balances” or “withdraw for costs”.
- Someone refuses to disclose estate money movements or refuses receipts.
- A beneficiary is missing/unreachable but others want to proceed anyway.
- Documents show name/ID mismatches with no explanation.
Bottom line: A clean beneficiary list + asset map + evidence preservation is what turns a “multi-year conflict” into a manageable file.
Which situation are you in? (fast decision flow)
Pick the right branch early = weeks saved later.
30-second flow (tap where you are)
- There is a valid will + executor willing to act → Will track → Probate
- No will / unsure / will disputed → Intestacy track → Letters of Administration
- Land is involved → Land & property (identify: self-acquired vs family/stool land)
- SSNIT / employer benefits / insurance → Benefits track
- Family conflict or missing heir → Disputes
Bottom line: Don’t “start at the bank” or “start selling land”. Start by deciding: will or no will, and whether you need Probate or Letters of Administration.
The Ghana succession roadmap (the whole picture, in order)
A simple sequence that matches how institutions actually work.
If you’re overwhelmed, read this once. Then treat it as your checklist.
- Confirm the legal track: will vs no will; minors; land; any special family context.
- Choose the person(s) who can act: executor (will) or administrator(s) (no will).
- Prepare the file: relationship proof + asset list + debts list + required consents.
- Apply for the grant: Probate (will) or Letters of Administration (no will).
- Registry queries / notices (where required) and respond quickly.
- Inventory + distribution approvals: settle debts, verify beneficiaries, plan distribution.
- Transfer/distribute (land, money, vehicles, shares) with receipts and records.
Golden rule
Authority first.
Then collection, then distribution. Early distribution is where disputes and personal liability begin.
Bottom line: Most delays come from missing relationship documents, inconsistent beneficiary lists, and land classification problems (self-acquired vs family/stool land).
Documents in priority order (the 1–2–3 set)
Get these right and almost everything becomes smoother.
Keep one physical file and a clean scan folder. Name scans consistently (e.g., “DeathCert.pdf”, “Deceased_ID.pdf”, “BeneficiaryList.xlsx”).
Priority 1
Unlocks the process- Death certificate (keep certified copies)
- Deceased’s ID/passport details
- Marriage certificate / marriage proof (if any)
- Children’s birth certificates / adoption orders
- Original will (if any) + executor details
Priority 2
Asset proof- Land documents (title, indenture/lease, allocation papers, site plan)
- Bank/microfinance/SACCO account numbers and statements
- Insurance policy schedules (check beneficiaries)
- Vehicle logbook details
- Employer + SSNIT / pension/fund administrator details
Priority 3
Prevents surprises- Debts: loans, overdrafts, microfinance, guarantees
- List of regular payments (rent, utilities, school fees)
- Business docs: company/share records, partnership docs
- Overseas assets / foreign documents (if any)
- Phones/devices and SIM details (secure; do not share)
Tip: ask each institution’s checklist in writing
Banks, microfinance institutions, insurers, employers, and fund administrators can have different internal requirements.
Ask for their required documents list in writing (email/letter) and keep it in your file.
Bottom line: Strong relationship proof + clear land/account evidence = fewer “please re-submit” loops.
Common document mistakes that cost 2–10 weeks
These are real-world failure points in Ghana estate work.
Checklist of delays
- Names/ID numbers not matching across documents (spelling, initials, old surnames) with no explanation.
- Marriage proof missing or disputed spouse status.
- Children’s documents missing (especially where guardianship is unclear for minors).
- Trying to sell land or distribute money before Probate/Letters and a clear distribution plan.
- Inconsistent beneficiary lists across forms, family minutes, and affidavits.
- Land paperwork mismatch: site plan/indenture/lease does not match the “on-the-ground” boundaries or owner name.
- No paper trail: missing receipts, missing filing references, no submission log.
Bottom line: If something “should be simple” but keeps bouncing back, it’s usually identity/relationship proof, beneficiary list inconsistencies, or land documentation gaps.
Key terms (plain English, Ghana-style)
If you understand these, you won’t be pushed into the wrong paperwork.
The 12 terms that run everything
- Succession / estate administration: the legal process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s assets and liabilities.
- Estate: assets + liabilities left behind (land, money, vehicles, shares, debts).
- Grant: court authority to act for the estate.
- Probate: grant issued where there is a valid will and an executor.
- Letters of Administration: grant issued where there is no will (or no workable executor).
- Executor: person named in the will to administer the estate.
- Administrator: person appointed to administer an intestate estate.
- Beneficiary: person entitled to inherit.
- Dependants: people who relied on the deceased financially (may matter depending on facts and route).
- Self-acquired property: property acquired personally by the deceased (often central to intestacy rules).
- Family land / stool land: land held under customary systems; it may not behave like “personal property” in practice.
- Estate duty / statutory fees: fees payable in the process (often tied to declared estate value; verify current practice).
Bottom line: Most institutions move when you can show: clean IDs + relationship proof + the correct grant + a clean paper trail.
Courts & the Probate Registry: where estate work happens (practical view)
In Ghana, the practical question is not “can the family agree?” — it’s “do we have the court authority the system recognises?”
The concept
Probate and administration are handled through the court process and the Probate Registry workflow.
In practice, you deal with a registry (filings, notices, queries) and then institutions (banks, Lands Commission workflows, DVLA, employers, insurers).
Practical tip: pick one ‘file owner’
Choose 1–2 accountable people to run admin and maintain a submission log: what was filed, where, when, reference numbers, and what the registry asked for next.
Family minutes matter (real-world Ghana point)
In many families, minutes of a family meeting (who attended, who was nominated, the beneficiary list, and the asset list) become the backbone of the administration file.
Write minutes clearly, include IDs where possible, and keep a signed copy.
Bottom line: Treat the registry process like a compliance workflow: clean documents, consistent beneficiary list, and fast responses to queries.
Who can apply (who can act) vs who inherits (who gets the assets)
Families confuse these constantly. Clearing it up early prevents conflict and wasted time.
Important distinction
“Who can apply / who can act” is about who leads the legal administration (executor/administrator).
“Who inherits” is about who legally receives assets. These can be the same person — but often they are not.
If there is a will (testate)
Track AThe will usually names an executor. That person typically applies for probate.
- Locate the original will.
- Confirm executor details match identity documents.
- List beneficiaries exactly as the will states (with ID details).
If there is no will (intestate)
Track BOne or more administrators apply for Letters of Administration. The file often depends heavily on family structure evidence and consistent minutes/beneficiary lists.
- Prove relationships (spouse(s), children, dependants).
- Use one consistent beneficiary list across all documents.
- Record family minutes clearly and keep everything in writing.
Bottom line: Choose accountable administrators/executor(s) early, and keep “who gets what” separate until the facts and authority steps are clear.
Who inherits in Ghana if there is no will? (simple map)
Intestate outcomes depend on who survives the deceased and what kind of property is involved. This is a simplified overview to orient families — complex situations need careful handling.
Start with facts, not assumptions
- Confirm the surviving spouse(s) and children (including minors).
- Confirm whether there are surviving parents and whether dependency issues exist.
- Separate property types early: self-acquired property vs family/stool property (do not mix them casually).
- Build one consistent beneficiary list with ID numbers and relationships.
Common Ghana reality: ‘property type’ changes the story
Families often assume “everything the person used is personal property”. In practice, some land and assets can be treated as family/stool property under customary systems.
A practical rule: if land was acquired by the deceased personally (purchase/lease/transfer in their name), treat it as self-acquired unless evidence shows it is family/stool property. If in doubt, treat it as complex and slow down.
Simple distribution reminder (high-level, not a substitute for advice)
Ghana has an intestacy framework that often prioritises the nuclear family (spouse and children), with other relatives sometimes receiving defined shares depending on who survives.
Don’t “agree a split” before you confirm the correct beneficiary set and the correct property classification.
Bottom line: The fastest intestate estates are the ones with clean relationship proof, one consistent beneficiary list, and a careful early decision on property type (self-acquired vs family/stool).
Customary context: family head, family/stool land, and complex households (high-level)
This section is about preventing wrong-track decisions and avoidable disputes — not replacing local legal advice.
Why special contexts matter
- Family/stool land: documentation and authority can differ from personal property transfers.
- A ‘family head’ role may matter socially — but banks and registries still want formal court authority for many actions.
- Complex households / polygamy / disputed spouse status: beneficiary mapping and consents become sensitive.
- Minor children: protection steps can affect timing and distribution plans.
Safe rule
If any of the above apply, slow down.
Document the family structure, collect relationship proof, and avoid irreversible transfers until your authority path and distribution framework are confirmed.
Bottom line: Complex family facts and customary land issues are strong reasons to keep everything in writing and get structured guidance early.
If there is a will: how to make the will ‘work’ in practice
A will is a plan — but you still need the right grant and clean documents to act.
If there’s a valid will, the named executor typically applies for probate and leads administration.
3 minimum steps
- Locate the original will and confirm executor identity details match IDs.
- Build the asset + debt inventory (land type, banks, vehicles, shares, employer benefits).
- Apply for probate and keep the beneficiary list consistent across documents.
Real-world problem: executor unwilling / uncontactable
If the executor can’t or won’t act, the estate can stall.
Treat it as an early “get structured help” scenario and keep all decisions documented.
Bottom line: Even with a will, land and institutions will still want the grant plus consistent IDs and a clean paper trail.
If there is no will: the practical path (intestate administration)
No will doesn’t mean chaos — but it does mean relationship proof, minutes, and consistency become central.
If there is no valid will, the estate is administered under intestate rules. Families often feel stuck because they try to start at banks/land before the grant path is clear.
What families should expect
- More emphasis on proving relationships (spouse(s), children, dependants).
- More reliance on clear family minutes and consistent beneficiary lists.
- Land transfer is commonly the slowest piece, especially if it is family/stool land or documents are weak.
- A distribution plan phase is where many disputes begin — document carefully.
Stress-proof habit: one beneficiary list
Write a single beneficiary list and reuse it everywhere (minutes, forms, affidavits, distribution plan).
- Full names exactly as on ID
- ID number
- Relationship to deceased
- Phone + location
- Dependency notes (if relevant)
Bottom line: The fastest intestate estates are the ones with clean relationship proof, one consistent beneficiary list, and a strict “no informal distribution” rule.
Grant types: Probate vs Letters of Administration (and urgent routes)
Choosing the right route early prevents months of rework.
Probate (will)
Track AUsed where there is a valid will and an executor can act.
- Original will is key.
- Executor’s identity must match documents.
- Still requires clean asset list + consistent beneficiary details.
Letters of Administration (no will)
Track BUsed where there is no will (or no workable executor).
- Relationship proof + family minutes are central.
- Consistency across beneficiary lists is the #1 speed lever.
- Expect more scrutiny if facts are complex (minors, disputes, land issues).
Urgent money or urgent asset risk (high-level)
There can be narrow urgent routes depending on the facts, but they are not a “distribution licence”.
If someone offers “same-day” results for cash and no receipts, treat it as a scam signal.
Bottom line: Pick the correct grant early, and don’t mix “family agreement” with “court authority”.
How the process feels in real life (what happens first, next, last)
A calm, realistic sequence so families aren’t shocked mid-way.
Typical sequence
Gather documents → file Probate/Letters → registry queries / notices → grant issued → asset collection + valuation → debt settlement → distribution plan → transfer/distribution.
What it feels like (normal experience)
Families often feel “stuck” until the grant is issued. That’s normal.
Use waiting time to fix identity mismatches, get certified copies, and build a complete assets/liabilities list.
Where delays usually happen (Ghana patterns)
- Marriage proof disputes or children’s documents missing.
- Beneficiary lists inconsistent across minutes/forms/affidavits.
- Land classification confusion (self-acquired vs family/stool land).
- Trying to sell/transfer before the grant and a clear distribution plan.
Bottom line: The turning point is formal authority (the grant). Before that, focus on clean evidence and asset safety.
Distribution planning: the stage families underestimate
Many disputes happen here because this is where the split becomes real and irreversible in practice.
What this stage is (practical meaning)
After the grant, administrators/executors typically inventory assets, settle debts, and prepare a distribution approach.
The safest families treat distribution as a documented plan with receipts, not a series of cash handovers.
How to reduce conflict at distribution
- Use one consistent beneficiary list and spell names/ID numbers the same everywhere.
- Write down the proposed distribution and get clear written acknowledgements where appropriate.
- If there is land, use a clear plan: which land goes to whom, or whether it will be sold and proceeds split.
- If minors are involved, avoid informal ‘trust me’ arrangements. Document protections properly.
When you should get help before distribution
- Disputed spouse/child or missing heir.
- Family/stool land complications or land boundary disputes.
- One person has controlled estate money and refuses transparency.
- Large debts, business interests, or cross-border assets.
Bottom line: Treat distribution like the “point of no return”: clean facts, written records, and a plan that matches the law and the family reality.
Banks, microfinance & savings groups: why accounts freeze (and how to move safely)
Financial institutions protect the estate and themselves. Your job is to show authority and keep clean records.
A script that works
- “What documents do you require to confirm balances and to release funds?”
- “Do you require the grant only, or additional steps for multiple beneficiaries?”
- “How do you handle standing orders/loan repayments while the estate is being administered?”
- “If there are multiple beneficiaries, what is your process and timeline?”
Security rule
Never share PINs, passwords, OTPs, banking-app access, or SIM access codes.
Estate fraud often starts with “just give me the OTP to check something”.
Practical tip: get loan positions early
If the deceased had loans or overdrafts, get the current position early. Offsets can change what is available to distribute and can cause surprise disputes.
Bottom line: Finance institutions move when you have the right authority + clean IDs + written instructions — and a clear paper trail.
Land & property: the safe approach to inheritance, transfer, and sale
Land is where estates most often stall. The fix is boring: documents, authority, and patience.
Before you do anything with land
- Identify what kind of land it is: self-acquired private land vs family land vs stool land.
- Confirm what documents exist: title/indenture/lease, allocation papers, site plan, receipts, family records.
- Confirm the exact owner name on documents (mismatches cause rejection).
- Do not sign sale agreements or accept deposits until authority and the transfer/distribution path is clear.
- Secure occupation/control: keys, caretakers, tenants, boundaries (document access).
Common Ghana land truth (plain-language)
Many disputes are not “legal theory” — they are about document quality: who has the site plan, who paid, whose name appears, and whether the land is truly personal property.
If land is family/stool land, do not assume it can be distributed like cash. Treat it as complex and get structured guidance early.
If land records are messy (expand)
These are “slow estate” indicators. Document facts early and get structured help:
- Missing site plan / missing indenture / unclear chain of documents.
- Boundary disputes or overlapping claims.
- Family members occupying different sections without clear documents.
- Claims that land was ‘gifted’ verbally or held in trust.
- Landguard/occupation threats or intimidation (treat as urgent risk; document and protect safely).
Bottom line: Land transfers succeed when the grant + distribution plan matches a clear, documented land reality — and the documents are consistent.
Vehicles: control first, then transfer properly
Vehicles are easy to ‘move quietly’. Control keys and papers early.
Practical checklist
- Record vehicle details (registration number, model, logbook holder) and keep papers safe.
- Control keys early and document who is using the vehicle and why.
- If multiple beneficiaries, decide (in writing) who the vehicle goes to before transfer steps start.
- Avoid ‘sell first, settle later’ if authority is not clear — it triggers disputes.
- Keep receipts for repairs/storage/fuel paid from estate funds.
Bottom line: Control and documentation first; transfer second. Treat vehicles like cash-with-wheels during sensitive periods.
SSNIT, pensions & employer death benefits: the separate track people miss
These benefits can be financially meaningful, but they have their own rules and document requirements. Start early.
What to do now (practical steps)
- Identify the employer HR contact and any pension/fund administrator. Request the claims checklist in writing.
- Gather beneficiary IDs + relationship proof (IDs, birth certificates, marriage proof).
- Ask directly: “Do your benefits follow nominations, the will, or the estate process?” (it can differ).
- Treat this as a separate workstream and keep a submission log (date, who, what, reference number).
Why this matters
Families often focus on bank accounts and land.
Benefits/insurance can reduce pressure while the succession process runs its course — which can lower conflict and stop panic land sales.
Bottom line: Start benefits early, keep documents consistent, and track submissions like a project.
Debts: don’t distribute first and ‘discover debt’ later
The clean approach: list liabilities early, demand evidence, and pay correctly from estate funds.
The common mistake
Distributing assets before a debt review can force beneficiaries to “put money back” later — which often fails and creates family conflict.
Safe debt handling
- List all known debts (loans, overdrafts, microfinance, guarantees).
- For personal ‘IOU’ claims: request evidence (messages, transfers, written agreements).
- Keep a simple ledger: every payment, date, purpose, receipt.
- Avoid paying ‘in cash’ without receipts, even to relatives.
Bottom line: If debts might be significant, pause distribution until you have a credible liabilities picture.
Overseas assets & cross-border estates: map jurisdictions first
If the deceased had assets in more than one country, chasing institutions one-by-one is how estates waste years.
Practical strategy
- List assets by country and institution (bank, property, brokerage, employer, insurer).
- Ask each institution what authority they require (Ghana grant, foreign authority, resealing, or a local process).
- Build time for certified copies, legalisation/authentication, and translations if required.
- Plan for foreign death certificates or foreign marriage documents to be validated where needed.
Bottom line: Multi-country estates succeed when you map jurisdictions first — not when you improvise under pressure.
Deadlines that matter (Ghana-style)
Your biggest risk is not one date — it’s delay compounding evidence loss, disputes, and cost.
1) Don’t drift (start the file early)
As a practical matter, avoid letting weeks pass with no progress. Early document gathering reduces rework later.
2) The evidence deadline
In disputes, waiting destroys evidence: documents disappear, people move, phones get recycled. Preserve records early (scans, receipts, messages, notes).
3) The land protection clock
Land and vacant property can trigger “informal control” and occupation disputes. Secure keys/occupation evidence, document access, and keep security stable where relevant.
Bottom line: Your operational deadline is: “How soon can we submit a clean Probate/Letters file and build a distribution plan with clean records?”
Costs & statutory fees (Ghana): what families worry about most
People fear ‘inheritance tax’. In practice, many families face: registry/court costs, professional fees, land transfer costs, and statutory estate fees linked to declared estate value (verify current practice).
The real cost drivers (practical reality)
- Land complexity (document gaps, boundaries, overlapping claims).
- Family complexity (disputed spouse/child, minors, missing heir, conflict).
- Debt complexity (loans, offsets, guarantees).
- Cross-border assets or foreign documents.
Estate duty / statutory fees (high-level)
Many families are surprised by statutory fees that can be tied to declared estate value (often discussed around a percentage).
Always ask the registry for the current fee basis and keep receipts.
Professional fees (high-level)
Some families use lawyers to avoid costly mistakes (especially where land, disputes, minors, or complex family facts are involved).
If you hire help, insist on: a written scope, written fee structure, receipts, and copies of every filing.
Bottom line: The cost driver is complexity (land + disputes + minors + cross-border + business assets) — not just “estate value”.
If there’s a dispute: protect yourself without ‘blowing up’ the family
The goal is not to win arguments — it’s to prevent asset loss and stop bad signatures.
A 4-step dispute playbook
- Pause irreversible moves: no land sales, no distribution, no broad releases.
- Inventory with evidence: assets, liabilities, who holds keys/documents, who is occupying land.
- Communicate in writing: meeting notes, confirmations, receipts.
- Use the proper Probate/Letters process and get structured help early if needed.
If a beneficiary disappears or is unreachable (expand)
Treat a missing beneficiary as a legal risk, not an inconvenience. Don’t “vote them out” or proceed informally.
- Document attempts to contact (calls, messages, letters, visits). Keep screenshots and dates.
- Keep the beneficiary on the list until you have a lawful basis to proceed without them.
- Do not distribute their share informally to others ‘to hold’ without proper structure/authority.
- If you must move forward, get structured professional guidance on the correct lawful route for your facts.
The goal is to avoid future claims that the estate was distributed unfairly or secretly.
If one person is controlling everything
Control without transparency is how estates get looted. Demand written updates, insist on receipts, and avoid giving anyone access to SIMs/OTPs/banking apps.
Bottom line: In estate disputes, documentation beats memory — and calm process beats pressure.
Scams that hit families during grief (and how to block them)
Fraud thrives on urgency and confusion. A few rules shut most of it down.
Common scenarios
- “Pay me and I’ll fast-track your Probate/Letters” (upfront cash, no receipts, no filings).
- Fake “court/registry links” or impersonation of officials to harvest IDs/OTPs.
- Forged grants or altered documents used to transfer land.
- Pressure to sell land quickly “before someone else takes it”.
- Landguard-style intimidation or “security fees” tied to land disputes.
- Family member “borrows” estate money during the process and never accounts for it.
Simple rules that work
- No OTP/PIN/password/SIM sharing — ever.
- No signature without a clear explanation + you keep a copy immediately.
- Receipts for every transaction (even within family).
- Use written communication for key decisions; keep a document trail.
- If pressured, pause 24 hours and get a second set of eyes.
Bottom line: Scammers rely on speed. You win by slowing down, verifying documents, and keeping receipts.
FAQ (Ghana)
Short answers to the questions families ask most during estate administration.
We all agree as a family. Do we still need Probate or Letters of Administration?
Often, yes. Banks, registries, DVLA processes, employers, and insurers usually require formal court authority.
Family agreement helps, but it usually doesn’t replace a grant.
How long does estate administration take in Ghana?
It varies widely. Simple, uncontested estates may take months; land-heavy or disputed estates can take much longer.
The biggest speed factor is submitting a clean file early and responding quickly to registry queries.
Can we sell land before the process is complete?
Treat this as high-risk. Selling before the correct authority and distribution pathway is clear is a common trigger for disputes.
If a sale is genuinely necessary (for example, to settle debts or preserve value), get structured professional guidance and keep everything documented.
What if the land is family land or stool land?
Treat it as complex. Do not assume it behaves like personal property.
Document what the land is, what papers exist, who occupies it, and get structured guidance early before any transfer or sale attempt.
What if a beneficiary disappears or cannot be found?
Don’t proceed as if they “don’t count”. Document contact attempts and keep them on the beneficiary list until you have a lawful route to proceed.
Avoid informal “holding” of their share by other relatives without proper structure/authority.
Do SSNIT/employer benefits follow the will?
Not always directly. Many benefits have their own nomination rules and administrator processes.
Treat benefits as a separate workstream and start early with HR/fund administrators.
We need money urgently — is there a fast option?
Ask about narrow urgent routes that may exist for specific needs, but expect documents and controlled steps. It’s not an “instant fix”.