Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Building/Development Permit in Ghana

Building and or infrastructure in Ghana requires a series of legal and procedural steps to ensure compliance with local standards and protect the community and environment. You might be a new person getting into the real estate scene or you are about to put up your own building or you have already started and you got stop by some mean looking people from the MMDA.

Here’s a guide on how to obtain a development permit based on Ghana's Building and development Regulations and Acts and Local Governance Act.

1. Prepare Your Application Documents

Site Plan and Survey: Start with an official site plan endorsed by a licensed surveyor.

Architectural and Structural Drawings: Get detailed plans showing floor layouts and structural designs.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Projects that may impact the environment require an EIA and, potentially, an Environmental Permit.

Proof of Land Ownership: Submit land title or lease agreement for the proposed site.

2. Submit Your Application

Complete the application form and submit it to the relevant district or metropolitan assembly through the Physical Planning Department or Building and Planning Inspectorate Unit with all documents and pay the required application fees to the approved revenue collection point.

3. Preliminary Review by Physical Planning Department

The department checks for compliance with zoning and local land-use plans, ensuring compatibility with the surroundings. Might sometimes visit the site to confirm if it is a new development or existing.

The Building and Planning Inspectorate Unit will also assess the development (building or infrastructure) and give you an invoice based on the MMDA's fee fixing resolution on the charges on the development.

4. Technical Committee Review

A committee of specialists reviews structural, environmental, and safety aspects, sometimes including a site inspection.

If accepted to be in full compliance with all the requirements, regulations and codes for such development, the technical subcommittee will nominate it for approval by the DSPC.

5. Receive Your Permit and Pay Fees

Upon approval, pay the permit fee based on your building’s value to obtain your building permit.

6. Construction and Inspections

Begin construction with periodic site inspections to ensure adherence to approved plans and building codes.

7. Apply for Completion Certificate

After completing the project, request a final inspection to receive a completion certificate, allowing legal occupancy.

Most people do not apply for the last step, it is the legal document required for getting insurance if you need the building to be insured, for taking a mortgage on the building and to operate it if it is for public use.

So ignoring it can be disastrous if ever there is a disaster - natural or man-made.

Essential Legislation:

Building Regulations Act, 1963 (Act 170)

Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936)

Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925)

Each district may have specific requirements, so check with local offices for a smooth permit process.

Contact us for us to provide all the services and assistance you will need to get your development permits whether you have already started, completed or yet to start your development or building.